Schindleria elongata, a new species of paedomorphic gobioid from the Red Sea (Teleostei: Schindleriidae)

Abstract

A new species of paedomorphic gobioid, Schindleria elongata, from the Red Sea, is described on the basis of five specimens. The new species is characterized by its lack of body pigmentation; the body depth at pectoral-fin origin 4–5% of standard length (LS) and at anal-fin origin 5–7% LS; the predorsal length 66–70% LS; pre-anal length 66–71% LS; dorsal-fin rays 13 or 14; anal-fin rays 10 or 11; first dorsal-fin ray at myomere 20 or 21; first anal-fin ray below second to fourth dorsal-fin rays; myomeres 19 or 20 + 13 or 14 = 33 or 34 total; premaxillae and dentaries with small teeth; gas bladder located posteriorly at 56–60% LS; males with a rod-like, flexible urogenital papilla lacking lobes, projections or accessory papillae, with distal half tapering to a broad, angular point and usually posteriorly directed. A key to the species of Schindleriidae is presented.