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

Abstract

A new species of paedomorphic gobioid fish, Schindleria nigropunctata from the Red Sea, is described on the basis of two specimens. The new species is characterised by its relatively high body bearing pigment spots, largest specimen 15.6 mm standard length (SL), the body depth at pectoral-fin origin 5–6% of SL and at anal-fin origin 9% of SL, the predorsal length 53–67% of SL, preanal length 54–67% of SL, dorsal-fin rays 13, anal-fin rays 11 or 12, first dorsal-fin ray at myomere 24; first anal-fin ray below second dorsal-fin ray, myomeres 20 + 21 or 22 = 41 or 42 total; premaxillae and dentaries with small teeth; gas bladder located posteriorly at 47–49% of SL; males with a rod-like, flexible urogenital papilla lacking lobes, projections or accessory papillae, with narrow, pointed and usually posteriorly directed. A key to the species of Schindleriidae is presented.