DESCRIPTION OF A NEW GENUS OF GOBY FROM SOUTHERN AUSTRALIA, INCLUDING OSTEOLOGICAL COMPARISONS WITH RELATED GENERA

WA Museum Records and Supplements | Updated 1 decade ago

The osteology of Favonigobius suppositus and Favonigobius tamarensis are described and compared with that of Favonigobius lateralis, the type species for the genus. Osteological comparisons are also made with members of Papillogobius and Glossogobius, genera that are closely related to Favonigobius. These comparisons, together with data on body proportions, the distribution of the papillae of the cephalic lateral-line system, meristic counts and larval development provide strong evidence that Favonigobius suppositus and Favonigobius tamarensis should not be placed in the genus Favonigobius. Therefore a new genus, Afurcagobius is proposed for these species and A. suppositus is designated as the type species. A key is provided for these two species and for other Australian genera and species with which, during recent years, they have been associated.