Revision of Indo-Pacific Priolepis species possessing a reduced transverse pattern of cheek papillae, and predorsal scales (Teleostei; Gobiidae)

Abstract

There are 10 Indo-Pacific species of Priolepis with a reduced transverse pattern of sensory papillae and scales in the predorsal midline. Nine of these, including three new species, are described here. Priolepis aureoviridis is known from the Hawaiian, Johnston, and Caroline islands; P. cinctus ranges from South Africa and the Red Sea to Japan and Tonga; P. eugenius is endemic to the Hawaiian islands; P. inhaca is found from the East African coast to Taiwan and the Society Islands; P. limbatosquamis is confined to the Hawaiian islands and Johnston Island; and P. squamogena is known from Howland Island southeastwards through the Society and Marquesas islands to Pitcairn Island. Of the three new species, P. agrena is known from the Philippine Islands and the northern Great Barrier Reef and P. pallidicincta ranges from Sulawesi through Guam and the Gilbert Islands to Fiji, whereas P. triops is known only from Fiji and the Society Islands. The remaining species, P. RW sp. 20, is known from the Austral and Easter islands and Lord Howe Island. This species will be described by D.F. Hoese and H.K. Larson. There is currently no information indicating that the species of the P. cinctus grade form a monophyletic assemblage.