The Osteology of Microgobius signatus Poey (Pisces: Gobiidae), with Comments on Other Gobiid fishes

Abstract

The osteology of Microgobius signatus is described in detail and compared with other species of Microgobius and with representatives from selected related genera. Osteological evidence supporting the concept of the American sevenspined gobies as a natural assemblage is presented, and the group is formally recognized as the Tribe Gobiosomini of the Family Gobiidae. Osteological characteristics and trends within the gobioids are discussed, and Miller's classification of the group is commented upon.