Gnatholepis argus Larson and Buckle, 2005

Larson, Helen K. & Buckle, Duncan J., 2012, A revision of the goby genus Gnatholepis Bleeker (Teleostei, Gobiidae, Gobionellinae), with description of a new species, Zootaxa 3529 (1), pp. 1-69 : 22

Gnatholepis argus Larson and Buckle, 2005

( Fig. 8 ; Tables 5–8)

Gnatholepis gymnocara Randall and Greenfield, 2001: 14 (in part).

Gnatholepis sp. — Randall and Greenfield 2001: 16, pl. IIH (Northern Territory); Thacker 2004b: figs 1–2.

Gnatholepis argus Larson and Buckle, 2005: 68–72 (N side of Turtle Reef off Field Island , Northern Territory).

Diagnosis. (From Larson and Buckle 2005). A small Gnatholepis (up to 33 mm SL) lacking scales on side of head, predorsal midline and pectoral fin base, no distinct flap on end of lower lip (low fold may be present), and no distinct canine or enlarged teeth; sexually dimorphic in adult size and colour, with females averaging larger than males; sexually dichromatic: males with row of six dusky to blackish spots or blotches along mid-side of body, posteriormost 3–4 blackish spots darker and larger than anterior spots and surrounded by small iridescent blue spots in life, small dense black spots scattered on unpaired fins; females with broken grey line along midside of body and dusky to blackish spots or blotches indistinct and posterior blotches not darker than anterior ones, no small iridescent blue spots on body; second dorsal fin rays modally I,10; anal fin rays modally I,11; pectoral rays 15–18; lateral scales 24–28; predorsal scales absent from nape midline, scales on side of head may reach from just over opercle to nearly behind eyes ( Fig. 8 ).

Remarks. As pointed out by Larson and Buckle (2005), Randall and Greenfield (2001) included two paratype specimens of G. gymnocara in their description (AMS I.23930-011). As no other specimens of G. gymnocara have so far been found in the Territory, these paratypes were examined and were found to be female G. argus .

The range of this species includes Western Australia, from Cape Talbot south to Enderby Island , Dampier

Archipelago; also Daru, Papua New Guinea (specimens at Western Australian Museum, Perth).

Figures

FIGURE 8. Gnatholepis argus, fresh dead colour, male, AMS I.24677-003, Bullocky Point reef, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia. Photo by Doug Hoese.