Obliquogobius bathyalis, a new species of deep-living gobies (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from New Caledonia, southwestern Pacific Ocean

Abstract

A new species of deep-water goby, Obliquogobius bathyalis n. sp. from New Caledonia, is described on the basis of three specimens collected with trawls at 264-350 m depth. The new species is characterised by the following characters: second dorsal-fin rays I, 8; analfin rays I,8 or I,9; head length 29.4-36.7% of SL; eye diameter 41.5-52.35 of head length; longitudinal scale rows 24-26; transverse scale rows 9-10; no predorsal scales; no scales on lateral surface of nape; postorbital pore G absent (from anterior oculoscapular canal); gill opening wide; caudal fin asymmetrical dorsoventrally, rays of upper half much longer than those of lower half, giving obliquely pointed appearance; four or five vertical dark bars on lower side of body; first dorsal fin distally with large black blotch; caudal fin distally dark; distinct dark spot on centre of caudal-fin base present. The new species is compared with other species in the genus. A revised key to the species of Obliquogobius is presented.