Eleotris diamsoi

description

Description Scale counts in Eleotris diamsoi sp. nov. and related species are given in table VI, ray counts in table VII and morphometrics in table VIII. Below, the holotype counts are given first followed in brackets, if different, by the paratype counts. The body is elongated. The body depth at anus is 15 (18 % SL) and the caudal peduncle depth is 12 (14 % SL). Predorsal length 44 (47 % SL) and preanal length 63 (66 % SL). The head 32 (33 % SL) is broad and depressed, the snout is pointed. Eyes high on head. The mouth is quite large, as jaw length is 10 (11 % SL), and oblique, the posterior margin of upper jaw reaches the vertical through the two thirds of the eye. Upper and lower jaws with multiple rows of small inwardly curved teeth, larger on outer row; a few caniniform teeth in anterior position on lower jaw. Dorsal fins VI-I, 8; D 1 separate from and smaller than D 2; spines not elongated. Anal fin I, 8 and directly opposite to second dorsal fin. Pelvic fins separate, I, 5. Pectoral fins 16. Caudal fin pointed with 15 branched rays. Cycloid scales on top of head, nape, cheek, operculum, pectoral fin base, prepelvic region, and abdomen. Ctenoid scales covering flanks. No late

Eleotris (Teleostei: Eleotridae) of the Indian Ocean: an overview with the description of three new species

diagnosis

Comparison Eleotris diamsoi differs from the other species sequenced that occur in the area studied by having a high % of divergence in COI gene (9.9 - 14.9 %). Eleotris diamsoi n. sp. differs from the other species of the Indian Ocean with a ‘ 2.3.4 ’ pattern by several characters. It differs from E. soaresi in having 16 pectoral fin rays versus 17 - 18, more scales in lateral series (63 versus 50 - 56) and in zigzag series (14 versus 12 - 13), and a smaller body depth at anal fin origin (15 - 18 versus 20 - 21). It differs from E. valadei, this paper, in having 16 pectoral fin rays versus 18, fewer scales in predorsal series in males (36 - 38 versus 45 - 50), fewer scales in transverse forward series (17 - 23 versus 27 - 30) and a smaller body depth at anal fin origin (15 - 18 versus 19 - 24).

Eleotris (Teleostei: Eleotridae) of the Indian Ocean: an overview with the description of three new species

diagnosis

Diagnosis The species is distinguished by: second, third and fourth suborbital free neuromast rows on cheek extending ventrally past horizontal row d (‘ 2.3.4 ’ pattern) (Fig. 1 D); row os connected with row oi at ventro-posterior margin of operculum (‘ closed’ pattern); 16 pectoral fin rays; 63 scales in lateral series; a small body depth at anal and second dorsal fins origin (15 - 18 % SL).

Eleotris (Teleostei: Eleotridae) of the Indian Ocean: an overview with the description of three new species

distribution

Distribution Currently known only from Madagascar. It was found in sympatry with E. pellegrini and E. sahanaensis (this paper).

Eleotris (Teleostei: Eleotridae) of the Indian Ocean: an overview with the description of three new species