LENTIPES KAAEA, A NEW SPECIES OF FRESHWATER GOBY (TELEOSTEI: GOBIOIDEI: SICYDIINAE) FROM NEW CALEDONIA.

Abstract

Lentipes kaaea, new species, is described on the basis of 28 specimens collected from high gradient streams occurring in eastern slope region of North Province on New Caledonia and streams in the island nation of Vanuatu. Lentipes kaaea, new species, is distinguished from all other congeners by the following combination of characteristics: males and females with a single pair of fleshy lobes associated with and attached basally with urogenital papilla, lobes always apparent in males and only apparent in gravid females; usually 17 (17-18) pectoral rays; usually 10 (9-10) segmented rays in second dorsal fin; caudal peduncle with cycloid scales, few ctenoid scales may be present along midline in females, between belly and first dorsal fin ctenoid scales with 3 to 5 large spike like ctenii present on males and absent in females; cephalic sensory pore system with pores A, B, C, D, F, H, K, L, N and O, pore D singular with all other pores paired, oculoscapular canal divided into posterior and anterior canals between pores H and K; males bright red to purplish on head and on posterior half of body, second dorsal fin with a black spot between spine and ray 1, individuals may have more than one spot present, first dorsal fin bluish to purplish and usually without spots, anal fin reddish to purplish basally and bluish distally; females usually whitish with variable tan to brownish markings that may include a distinct lateral band and a spot at medial base of caudal fin, above midline dusky bars and bands may be present, dusky saddles may be present dorsally, fin rays and spines with basal half slightly brownish and distally without pigment, membrane in all fins generally clear.