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Special Publication No.57, September 1996
A review of the Southern African Gobiid fish genus Caffrogobius
Smitt, 1990 Department of Zoology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
Code Number: FS96001
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ABSTRACT The genus Caffrogobius Smitt, 1900 is composed of seven species. The members of the genus are moderate size gobies, reaching a length of 10-14 cm (SL). The species of the genus are characterized by a combination of the following characters: Cheek papillae pattern transverse; dorsal segmented rays: 9-14; anal segmented rays: 8-12; caudal segmented rays: 16-18; pectoral rays: 16-23. Scales along the body: 30-64; transverse rows of scales: 9-23; vertebrae: 27 (11+16 or 10+17); formula of fin pterygiophores: 3-22110. Six species of Caffrogobius are found around the southern part of the African continent (Mozambique to Namibia): agulhensis (Barnard, 1827), caffer (Gunther, 1874), gilchristi (Boulenger, 1900), natalensis (Gunther, 1874), nudiceps (Valenciennes, 1837), and saldanha (Barnard, 1827). Some of them are very similar to each other. In most species extreme variability in the color patterns and in meristic counts was found.
C. gilchristi is considered here as a valid species and a senior synonym of C. multifasciatus (Smith, 1959). A seventh species dubius (Smith, 1959) from the Seychelles is listed and briefly described. Key words: Caffrogobius; Gobiidae; South Africa INTRODUCTION The species of Caffrogobius occur in shallow water habitats along the southern coasts of Africa (Mozambique to Namibia). Most species are found in estuaries, tide pools, bays and sometime in the lower reaches of rivers. These habitats are characterized by a high degree of instability and are influenced by terrestrial events such as rainfall and soil erosion, and marine factors such as tides, waves and water currents. The other gobies found in these habitats in South Africa are: Awaous aeneofuscus, Psammogobius knysnaensis, Glossogobius spp. and Redigobius spp. (Beckley 1985, Hoese 1986, Bennet 1989). The high degree of similarity of some of the Caffrogobius species, as well as extreme variability in colour pattern and in meristic counts in some species led to much confusion among ichthyologists. This is expressed through the high number of misidentifications in fish collections and the long list of synonyms published by Mauge, (1986). The purpose of the present paper is to describe the variability of certain characters in South African Caffrogobius species, and to present new comprehensive descriptions of these species. As the species Caffrogobius dubius (Smith, 1959), which was collected in the Seychelles, is not found in South Africa and the only available material was the type specimen which was not in a good condition, only a brief description is given for this species. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sensory papillae were counted when possible on both sides of the head. Longitudinal scale counts (LS) were made from the upper attachment of the opercular membrane to the hypural. Transverse scales counts (TR) were taken anterodorsally from the origin of anal fin spine to the origin of the second dorsal fin. Predorsal scales (PreD) were counted from the origin of dorsal fin to mid interorbital space. Standard length (SL) was measured from snout tip to base of caudal fin. Total length (TL) from the snout tip to the end of the caudal fin. Head length (HL) from snout tip to upper attachment of the opercular membrane. Body depth (BD) was measured as a vertical line from the origin of first dorsal fin. Eye diameter (E) is the longest diameter when eyes are not round. SD1, SD2, SA represent the distances from the snout tip to the origin of the first dorsal fin, the origin of the second dorsal fin and the origin of the anal fin respectively.
The counts of fin rays given in the Tables refer to the segmented rays only. D2 = second dorsal fin, A = anal fin, P = pectoral fin, C = caudal fin. Gill raker (GR) counts are of upper and lower limbs of the first gill arch. Nomenclature of sensory papillae was partly modified from Miller (1986). In some large Caffrogobius caffer and C. gilchristi a few papillae are split distally; in such cases the counts given here are that of the bases. Vertebrae counts and pterygiophore formula are based on radiographs using the first dorsal fin pterygiophore formula of Birdsong et al 1988. Morphology of genital papillae were used for sex determination (f = female, m = male). Abbreviations of fish collections: AMG = fish collection of Albany Museum (Grahamstown); BMNH = The Natural History Museum (London); MNHN = Museum national d'Histoire naturelle (Paris); RUSI = fish collection of J.L.B Smith Institute of Ichthyology (Grahamstown); SAM = fish collection South African Museum (Cape Town).
Caffrogobius Smitt, 1900 Caffrogobius Smitt, 1900: 551 (as a subgenus of Gobius). Type species: Gobius nudiceps Valenciennes, 1837, by original designation. DESCRIPTION Moderate size gobies, reaching a length of 10-14 cm. The genus is characterized by a combination of the following characters: Dorsal fin segmented rays: 9-14; anal fin segmented rays: 8-12; caudal fin segmented rays: 16-18; pectoral rays: 16-24. Longitudinal scales along the body: 30-64; transverse rows of scales: 9-23. Vertebrae: 27 (11+16 or 10+17); Formula of fin pterygiophores: 3-22110. Cephalic sensory system (Fig. 1): Nasal pore approximately midway between posterior and anterior nostrils, at level of middle eye. Anterior interorbital (single) pore above anterior fifth eye. Posterior interorbital pore (single) above fifth posterior of eye. Supra-otic pore behind a vertical from the anterior otic pore. Five pores above opercle. Anterior otic in an extension. Anterior and posterior oculoscapular canals are not connected to each other. Three pores on hind preopercular margin. Cheek papillae in a transverse pattern. The number of papillae of certain rows as well as the their shape often varies among individuals of the same species. Also on some individuals the rows of papillae from the two sides are not identical. A diagram of the papillae arrangement and row marking is given in Figure 1. A comparison of papillae counts of the six South African species is given in Table 1.
AN - Anterior nostril; PN - Posterior nostril; NP - Nasal pore; AH - Anterior interorbital pore; PIO - Posterior interorbital pore; SO - Supra otic pore; AO - Anterior otic pore; PO - Posterior otic pore; IT - Inter temporal pore; AT - Anterior temporal pore; PT - Posterior temporal pore; POP - Preopercular pores (1-3). TABLE 1: Cephalic papillae counts for species of Caffrogobius.
The genital papilla of males is elongate and pointed with a small notch in its center. The genital papilla of females is broader, flat, with skinny lobes around the opening. RELATIONSHIPS Miller (1978) considered Caffrogobius to be closely related to Gobius and Zebrus due to the high similarity of their cephalic sensory system. Van Tassel et al. (1988) clustered Caffrogobius, Zebrus, Gammogobius and Monishia as they all possess four anterior sub orbital pores and 27 vertebrae in contrast to Gobius (and others) which has 28 vertebrae and a more generalized papillae pattern. Birdsong et al. (1988) classified goboid fishes based on the configuration of their vertebral column and median fin osteology assigned Caffrogobius to the Bathygobius group which is characterized by pterygiophore formula: 3-22110, 27 vertebrae (10+17), one epural and 1-3 anal pterygiophores anterior to the first haemal spine. The group comprised of the genera: Bathygobius, Caffrogobius, Glossogobius, Gorogobius, Hetereleotris, Lesuerigobius, Monishia and Nematogobius. Birdsong et al. did not include the genus Corygalops in their paper, but as this genus possesses the same skeleton structure and papillae pattern as Monishia I consider it as a member this group. Accepting this classification and that the cephalic papillae pattern is also a valid indicator for goby relationships (Gill & Bradley, 1992), it appears that Caffrogobius is closely related to Monishia, Corygalops, Hetereleotris, Gorogobius and Nematogobius which share similar axial skeleton structure and transverse cephalic papillae pattern. The other members of this group: Bathygobius, Glossogobius and Lesuerigobius are less close to Caffrogobius as they have a longitudinal head papillae pattern.
Caffrogobius differs from Gorogobius by the presence of a posterior oculoscapular canal (absent in Gorogobius) and naked cheek and opercle (scaled in Gorogobius). Hetereleotris, Monishia and Corygalops, differ Caffrogobius by having the first gill slit closed (completely or partly) by a membrane. In addition the cephalic pore system of Hetereleotris is partly or completely reduced. Nematogobius differs from Caffrogobius by possessing a pair of mental barbels. Key to South African species of Caffrogobius.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1a. Papillae on cheek moderate in size; longitudinal row d with 3-6
papillae; vertical row 8 absent; anterior nostrils with an elongate
flap; black spot at the rear of first dorsal fin . . . . . . . 2
1b. Papillae on cheek minute; longitudinal row d with more than 20
papillae; vertical row 8 present; flap on anterior nostrils short
and broad or absent; first dorsal fin striped . . . . . . . 3
2a. Scales along the body (LS): 37-41; body with 3-5 elongate dark
blotches laterally; papillae row k single . . . . C. agulhensis
2b. Scales along the body (LS): 30-38; body with small spots often forming
longitudinal stripes and ventral bars; papillae row k double . . .
. . . . . . . . C. saldanha
3a. Pre dorsal scales 6-18; most vertical bars on body arranged in pairs;
row e with more than 85 papillae; row x4 with more than 13 papillae;
row o with more than 20 papillae; row z includes four parallel rows .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. gilchristi
3b. Mid predorsal naked or with few scales; vertical bars on body single or
absent; row e with less than 70 papillae. row x4 with less than 9
papillae; row o with less than 15 papillae; row z in a single row or
absent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
4a. Second dorsal fin with 10 segmented rays; papillae row 5i absent; row
6i with 10 papillae; row os with 10-12 papillae . . . C. natalensis
4b. Second dorsal fin with 11-14 segmented rays; row 5i present; row 6i
with more than 14 papillae; row os with more than 17 papillae . . 5
5a. Proximal part of upper pectoral rays with a wide yellowish band;
scales along the body (LS): 34-57; second dorsal fin with 11-12
segmented rays; pectoral rays 21-24; Mid predorsal area with 0-5
scales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. nudiceps
5b. Proximal part of upper pectoral rays without a yellowish band; scales
along body (LS): 52-64; second dorsal fin with 12-14 segmented rays;
pectoral rays 18-21; Mid pre dorsal area naked . . . . C. caffer
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Caffrogobius agulhensis (Barnard, 1827)
Figure 3: Cephalic sensory system of Caffrogobius agulhensis RUSI 15899, male, 48.4 mm SL. off waterfall, 3 km west of Storms River mouth.
Coryphopterus agulhensis: Smith, 1960: 308; Smith, 1961: 570.
Nematogobius agulhensis: Hoese & Winterbottom, 1979: 4.
Caffrogobius agulhensis: Hoese 1986: 783. DIAGNOSIS: Two horizontal lines of black dots on second dorsal fin and a black blotch on at rear of first dorsal fin. Pelvic fins reaching to anus. Second dorsal and anal fins with 10-12 and 8-10 segmented rays respectively. LS 37-41; mid predorsal scales absent. Anterior nostrils with an elongate flap. Papillae on cheek moderate in size; longitudinal row d with 5 papillae; vertical row 8 absent; papillae row k - single. DESCRIPTION: Body elongate and cylindrical, compressed posteriorly. Head slightly flattened. Mouth terminal, maxillary reaches to a vertical from anterior third of eye. Teeth on jaws in 1-4 rows (4 rows at front of jaw and 1 row at sides); outer teeth enlarged;. some inner teeth on lower jaw enlarged and curved backward. Tongue emarginate. Mental flap rudimentary Eyes 20-26% head length. Gill rakers 7-11: (0-1)+(7-10); some rakers rudimentary. Vertebrae: 27, including ural centrum (10 + 17 (n=6), or 11 + 16 (n=2)). Dorsal fins VI + I,10-12; anal fin I,8-10; pectoral fins 19-22; caudal fin 16-18 segmented rays. Pelvic fins elongate and round, reaching to anus. Body covered with scales to a line from first spine of dorsal fin to upper base of pectoral fin; scales on body ctenoid (except for the anterior-most ones). A naked strip along origin of first dorsal fin. Predorsal area, prepelvic region and pectoral base naked; mid belly naked (except in few large specimens). Meristic and morphological data are presented in Table 2.
TABLE 2. Counts and body proportions (in %) of Caffrogobius
agulhensis
-------------------------------------------
n = Range mean S .D.
-------------------------------------------
LS 87 37 - 41 38.9 1.11
TR 76 9 - 12 10.3 0.62
PreD 87 0 - 0 0 0
D2 93 10 - 12 10.6 0.54
A 94 8 - 10 9.4 0.67
P 78 19 - 22 20.4 0.77
C 67 16 - 18 16.9 0.37
GR UL 23 0 - 1 0.8 0.36
GR LL 23 7 - 10 7.9 0.72
Total GR 23 7 - 11 8.7 0.89
-----------------------------------------
SL/FL 96 81 - 85 83.6 1.04
HI/SL 96 26 - 30 28.4 1.13
BD/SL 96 16 - 21 18.2 1.39
E/HL 96 20 - 26 23.1 1.67
SD1/SL 75 33 - 36 34.2 1.00
SD2/SL 75 50 - 55 53.3 1.53
SA/SL 75 50 - 56 53.3 1.84
-------------------------------------------
COLORATION (preserved): Body colour is yellow with 5-6 wide vertical dark bars containing a light vertical line in the center, above mid-line of body; 3-5 horizontally elongate blotches between lower ends of dark saddle blotches; ventral part of body usually without pigmentation. Dorsal fins with 2 or 3 horizontal lines of black dots; black blotch usually visible on membrane between fifth and sixth spines of first dorsal fin. Pelvic fins grey with light margins. Caudal fin colorless to grey. In some specimens, of both sexes, the distal third of anal fin is black. In some males, the pelvic fins as well as the lower part of pectoral fins are black. REMARKS:
C. agulhensis is distinguished from the other members of the genus by the two horizontal lines of black dots on dorsal fins. In addition agulhensis differs form caffer, natalensis, nudiceps and gilchristi by possessing anterior nostrils with an elongate flap, a black blotch at rear of first dorsal fin, papillae on cheek of moderate size, longitudinal row d with 5 papillae; vertical row 8 absent. In addition agulhensis differs from caffer and gilchristi by possessing fewer scales along the body (LS < 42). From gilchristi and most specimens of nudiceps it differs by the absent of predorsal scales. DISTRIBUTION: East London to Cape of Good Hope. Caffrogobius caffer (Gunther, 1874)
Figure 5: Cephalic sensory system of Caffrogobius caffer RUSI 31746, female, 75.8 mm SL, Coffee Bay, E. Cape Province.
Gobius nudiceps (non Valenciennes, 1837): Bleeker, 1860: 73: Kner 1865: 177; Gilchrist, 1902: 131 (part); Gilchrist, 1916: 11; Barnard,1927: 816; Smith, 1949: 336. Coryphopterus caffer: Smith, 1960: 310.
Caffrogobius caffer: Hoese & Winterbottom, 1979: 4; Hoese, 1986: 783; Fig. 240.20, Pl. 122, Fig. 240.20; Mauge, 1986: 362. DIAGNOSIS: Body with 9-12 dark vertical bars. Dorsal fins dark to black with 2-4 horizontal light stripes; margins of dorsal and anal fins white. Pelvic fins not reaching anus. Second dorsal and anal fins with 12-14 and 9-12 and 18-21 segmented rays respectively. LS 52-64; Mid predorsal area naked. A short skinny flap on anterior nostril. Papillae on cheek minute; row d with 30-34 papillae; row e with 54-58 papillae; vertical row 8 present; row x4 with 3 papillae; row o with 6-7 papillae; row z in a single row; row 5i present; row 6i with 27-31 papillae; row os with 23-24 papillae. DESCRIPTION: Body elongate and cylindrical, compressed posteriorly. Head subcylindrical. Mouth terminal, maxilla reaches to a vertical line from anterior part of eye. Teeth on jaws in 1-4 rows (4 rows at front of jaw and 1 row at sides); outer teeth enlarged; some inner teeth on lower jaw enlarged and curved backward. Front of tongue rounded. Mental flap indistinct. Eyes 18-25% of head length. Gill rakers 6-11: (0-2)+(6-9). Vertebrae: 27, including ural centrum (10 + 17, n=11, or 11 + 16, n=2). Dorsal fins VI + I,12-14; anal fin I,9-12; pectoral fins 18-21; caudal fin segmented rays 17-18. Pelvic fins short and rounded, not reaching anus. Body covered with scales to a vertical line from the margins of preopercle; mid predorsal naked; mid belly scaly except for small area at pelvic-fin base. Body posterior to a line from spine of second dorsal fin to upper end of pectoral fin base with ctenoid scales; prepelvic, pectoral base, sides of predorsal and mid belly with cycloid scales. Meristic and morphological data are presented in Table 3.
TABLE 3. Counts and body proportions (in %) of Caffrogobius
caffer
-------------------------------------------
n = Range mean S.D.
-------------------------------------------
LS 65 52 - 64 56.5 3.26
TR 49 16 - 23 20.0 1.76
PreD 62 0 - 0 0 0
D2 65 12 - 14 12.8 0.43
A 65 9 - 12 10.8 0.48
P 61 18 - 21 19.3 0.56
C 53 17 - 18 17.0 0.24
GR UL 28 0 - 2 0.7 0.61
GR LL 28 6 - 9 7.1 0.92
Total GR 28 6 - 11 7.8 1.42
-----------------------------------------
SL/TFL 62 82 - 87 84.7 1.25
HL/SL 68 26 - 31 27.9 1.23
BD/SL 68 17 - 23 19.5 1.23
E/HL 68 18 - 26 22.0 2.03
SD1/SL 68 31 - 37 34.3 1.32
SD2/SL 68 51 - 56 53.7 1.49
SA/SL 68 51 - 57 54.3 1.76
-------------------------------------------
COLORATION (preserved): Body and head yellowish with 9-12 dark vertical bars. Some fish (especially large males) are very dark (almost black). Dorsal fins dark to black with 2-4 horizontal light stripes; margins of dorsal and anal fins white, remaining fins dark to colourless. Small dark blotches of various sizes on head. A dark stripe from eye to mouth angle. A round black blotch above hind margin of opercle. Irregular black spots on base of pectoral fins and on proximal part of upper rays.
REMARKS:
C. caffer is distinguished from all other South African members of the genus by the high number of longitudinal and transversal scale rows on body (LS >52; TR >16) (with the exception of a few specimens of nudiceps) and by the white margins of dorsal and anal fins. In addition caffer differs form agulhensis and saldanha by having a short flap on anterior nostrils and by minute papillae on cheek. C. caffer differs from gilchristi and most specimens of nudiceps by the absence of predorsal scales. C. caffer differs from natalensis by having 12-14 dorsal rays (v.10), from natalensis and agulhensis by the presence of papillae row 5i and by having more papillae in rows 6i (23 v. 10 and 4 respectively) and os (23-24 v. 10-12 and 12-14 respectively). DISTRIBUITION: Delagoa Bay to Cape Peninsula. Caffrogobius gilchristi (Boulenger, 1900)
Figure 7: Caffrogobius gilchristi, cephalic sensory system of Fig. 6 specimen
Acentrogobius multifasciatus Smith, 1959:199. (Type locality: Mozambique Island. Holotype: RUSI 234).
Gobius nudiceps (non Valenciennes, 1837): Boulenger, 1916: 28 (part); Barnard, 1927: 816 (part). Coryphopterus multifasciatus: Smith 1960: 310.
Gobius multifasciatus: Smith, 1975: 67.
Caffrogobius multifasciatus: Hoese & Winterbottom, 1979: 4; Hoese, 1986: 783, Fig.240.21; Mauge, 1986: 362. DIAGNOSIS: Body usually with 9-15 irregular, dark, vertical bars of different widths (often arranged in pairs) and two black spots on base of pectoral fins. Pelvic fins not or hardly reaching the anus. Second dorsal and anal fins with 10-12 and 9-11 segmented rays respectively. No skinny flap on anterior nostril. LS 44-53; predorsal scales 6-18. Papillae on cheek minute; longitudinal row d with 29-43 papillae; row e with 86-98 papillae; vertical row 8 presents; row x4 with 11-14 papillae; row o with 16-26 papillae; row z in 4 parallel rows; row 6i with 37-37 papillae; row os with 21-25 papillae.
DESCRIPTION: Body elongate and cylindrical, compressed posteriorly . Head slightly flattened. Mouth terminal; maxilla reaches to vertical from anterior part of eye. Teeth on jaws in 1-4 rows (4 rows at front of jaw and 1 at sides); outer teeth enlarged; some inner teeth on lower jaw enlarged and curved backward. Tongue obtuse. Mental flap indistinct. Eyes 23-31% of head length. Gill rakers 10-11: 1+(9-10). Vertebrae: 27, including ural centrum (10 + 17, n=5, or 11 + 16, n=2).
Dorsal fins VI + I,10-12; anal fin I,9-11; pectoral fins 17-20; caudal fin 17 segmented rays. Pelvic fins round, hardly reach the anus. Body covered with scales to a vertical at margin of preopercle; ctenoid scales extend to a line from anterior spine of dorsal fin to upper pectoral base. Predorsal region, prepelvic area and pectoral base are covered with cycloid scales, sometime partly embedded in epidermis; mid belly scaly except for a small area at pelvic fin base. Meristic and morphological data are presented in Table 4.
TABLE 4. Counts and body proportions (in %) of Caffrogobius
gilchristi
------------------------------------------
n = Range mean S.D.
------------------------------------------
LS 66 44 - 53 47.3 2.32
TR 61 13 - 16 14.6 0.96
PreD 61 6 - 18 12.1 3.10
D2 70 10 - 12 11.0 0.39
A 70 9 - 11 10.0 0.60
P 61 17 - 20 18.4 0.74
C 65 17 - 17 17.0 0
GR UL 16 1 - 1 1.0 0
GR LL 16 9 - 10 9.0 0.24
Total GR 16 10 - 11 10.0 0.24
-----------------------------------------
SL/TL 73 80 - 86 83.0 1.23
HL/SL 73 28 - 34 31.6 1.32
BD/SL 73 19 - 25 21.6 1.42
E/HL 73 24 - 31 27.2 1.94
SD1/SL 73 35 - 40 37.6 1.35
SD2/SL 73 52 - 59 55.3 1.51
SA/SL 73 50 - 55 52.8 1.45
-------------------------------------------
COLORATION (preserved): Body and head yellowish, usually with 9-15 irregular vertical bars of different widths often arranged in pairs; a round black blotch above hind margin of opercle. Two black spots on base of pectoral fins. Caudal fin dark; in a few specimens two vertical rows of black dots are visible. Horizontal rows of dark dots on dorsal fin; in dark fish (mostly males) the dorsal fins are dark with white upper margins. Other fins dark to colourless. Many dark spots of various sizes on head; Some fish with a dark stripe from eye corner to mouth angle. REMARKS:
Barnard (1927) who was confused by the high variability of the scale count in nudiceps (see remarks under nudiceps) and the presence of predorsal scales in gilchristi and nudiceps, could not distinguish between the two species and considered gilchristi as a junior synonym of nudiceps. As evident from the study of the 3 syntypes of gilchristi, especially of their cephalic papillae system which is quite different from that of nudiceps (see Figs. 7 and 11), this species is not a synonym of nudiceps. A comparison of the syntypes of gilchristi with the type and additional material of multifasciatus (see list of material) led to the conclusion that they all belong to the same species. Thus, multifasciatus is a junior synonym of gilchristi.
C. gilchristi is distinguished from the other members of the genus by possessing 6-18 predorsal scales, by having more papillae in rows 1,2,4 and 6i (=/>21,16,24 and 27 respectively) and by having row z arranged in 4 parallel rows. In addition it differs from agulhensis, caffer nudiceps and saldanha by the absence of a skinny flap on anterior nostril. From agulhensis, natalensis, nudiceps and saldanha it differs by possessing many dark bars on body (>10), from caffer it differs in the paired arrangement of the dark bars. DISTRIBUITION: Mozambique Id. to Table bay. Caffrogobius natalensis (Gunther, 1874)
Figure 9: Cephalic sensory system of Caffrogobius natalensis RUSI 31426, male, 68.1 mm SL, Mgemi - Beachwood, Natal.
Gobius gymnauchen (non Bleeker, 1860): Weber, 1897: 144. Gilchrist,1902: 132; Boulenger,1905: 59.
Gobius nudiceps (non Valenciennes, 1837): Gilchrist, 1916: 11; Boulenger 1916: 28 (part); Barnard, 1927: 816 (part); Smith, 1949: 336, Pl 71 (part).
Gobius malabaricus (non Day, 1865): Gilchrist & Thompson, 1914: 81; Gilchrist & Thompson, 1917: 403.
Amoya nudiceps (non Valenciennes, 1837): Fowler, 1934: 497.
Gobius melanocephlus (non Bleeker, 1849): Barnard,1927: 818; Smith, 1949: 335. Chonophorus melanocephlus (non Bleeker, 1849): Smith, 1959: 191, pl. 13. Coryphopterus natalensis: Smith, 1960: 309, Fig. 8.
Caffrogobius natalensis: Hoese & Winterbottom, 1979: 4; Hoese, 1986: 783, Fig. 240.22; Mauge, 1986: 362. DIAGNOSIS: Body with 5-8 irregular vertical dark bars; pale specimens with two faded longitudinal bands on body. Diagonal yellowish band with black margins on proximal parts of first dorsal fin; similar horizontal band on proximal part of second dorsal fin. Pelvic fins not reaching anus. Second dorsal and anal fins with 10 and 8-10 segmented rays respectively. LS 38-48. Mid predorsal area naked. No skinny flap on anterior nostril. Papillae on cheek minute. Longitudinal row d with 28 papillae; row e with 36-38 papillae; vertical row 8 present; row x4 with 8 papillae; row o with 5 papillae; rows z and 5i absent; row 6i with 10 papillae; row os with 10-12 papillae. DESCRIPTION:
Body elongate and cylindrical, compressed posteriorly. Head subcylindrical. Mouth terminal, maxilla reaches to a vertical from anterior part of eye. Teeth on jaws in 1-4 rows (4 rows at front of jaw and 1 at sides); outer teeth enlarged; some inner teeth on lower jaw are enlarged and curved backward. Front of tongue rounded. Mental flap indistinct. Eyes 16-23% of head length. Gill rakers 7-9: (0-1)+(6-8). Vertebrae: 27, including ural centrum (10 + 17, n=7). Dorsal fins VI + I,10; anal fin I,8-10; pectoral fins 18-20; caudal fin 16-18 segmented rays 16-18. Pelvic fins elongate and rounded, not reaching anus. Body covered with scales to vertical at margin of preopercle. LS 38-48, TR 10-15 (Table 5). Mid predorsal naked. Mid belly scaly except for a small area at pelvic fin base. Scales on body to a line from anterior spine of second dorsal fin to upper pectoral base ctenoid; scales on prepelvic area, pectoral base and belly cycloid. Meristic and morphological data are presented in Table 5.
TABLE 5. Counts and body proportions (in %) of Caffrogobius
natalensis
-------------------------------------------
n = Range mean S.D.
-------------------------------------------
LS 48 38 - 48 44.1 2.92
TR 47 10 - 15 11.8 1.16
PreD 51 0 - 0 0 0
D2 47 10 - 10 10.0 0
A 49 8 - 10 9.0 0.29
p 42 18 - 20 18.6 0.55
C 47 16 - 18 17.0 0.31
GR UL 16 0 - 1 0.5 0.5
GR LL 16 7 - 8 7.75 0.43
Total GR 16 7 - 9 8.2 0.66
-----------------------------------------
SL/TL 51 79 - 86 81.3 1.65
HL/SL 51 28 - 34 29.1 1.38
BD/SL 51 17 - 22 19.5 1.16
E/HL 51 16 - 23 19.7 1.68
SD1/SL 51 33 - 40 35.7 2.12
SD2/SL 51 51 - 57 53.8 1.60
SA/SL 51 50 - 54 51.9 1.48
-------------------------------------------
COLORATION (preserved): Body and head brownish yellow with ventral parts yellow; dorsolateral part of body with 5 to 8 irregular vertical dark bars with a light line in the middle; body of some pale specimens with two faded longitudinal bands: first midlateral; second at 3/4 height of trunk. Black spots on head. A round black blotch above pectoral fin base and 1 to 4 dark spots on the base; proximal part of pectoral fin with a vertical series of spots forming a dark bow with light margin. Proximal part of first dorsal fin with a yellowish diagonal band with black margins; a similar horizontal band on proximal part of second dorsal fin. Remaining fins dark to colourless. Irregular vertical series of dark spots on caudal fin of small and medium size fish. REMARKS:
C. natalensis differs from gilchristi and most specimens of nudiceps by the absence of predorsal scales. From caffer and gilchristi it differs by having fewer vertical bars on body (=/<8). From all other South Africans members of the genus, except gilchristi, it differs by the absence of skinny flap on anterior nostril. C. natalensis differs from agulhensis and saldanha by having minute papillae on cheek, by the presence of vertical row 8 and by having many papillae in raw d (28 v. 3-6). From agulhensis, caffer and gilchristi it differs by the absence of row z. C. caffer and nudiceps differ from natalensis by having more dorsal rays (=/>11), by the presence of papillae row 5i and by having more papillae in rows 6i and os(>14, 17 respectively). DISTRIBUTION: Natal to Knysna. Caffrogobius nudiceps (Valenciennes, 1837)
Figure 11: Cephalic sensory system of Caffrogobius nudiceps RUSI 31792, female, 65.3 mm SL, Kwelera estuary, E. Cape Province.
Gobius capensis Castelnau, 1861: 55, (Type locality: Cape of Good Hope. Syntypes (2): MNHN A.1376); Thompson, 1918: 129. Coryphopterus nudiceps: Smith, 1960: 309, Fig.9; Smith, 1961: 570. Penrith & Kensley 1970: 235.
Caffrogobius nudiceps: Miller, 1978: Fig 3e; Hoese & Winterbottom, 1979: 4; Hoese, 1986: 784, Fig.240.23; Mauge, 1986: 363. DIAGNOSIS: A wide yellowish band (with a black inner margin) on proximal part of upper pectoral fin rays. Pelvic fins not reaching anus. Second dorsal, anal and pectoral fins with 11-12, 10-11 and 21-24 segmented rays respectively. LS 34-57; pre dorsal scales 0-5. A short skinny flap at anterior nostril. Papillae on cheek minute; row d with 29-31 papillae; row e with 52-60 papillae; vertical row 8 presents; row x4 with 6-8 papillae; row o with 8-12 papillae; row z absent; rows 5i and 6i with 8-9 and 15 papillae respectively; row os with 18-21 papillae. DESCRIPTION: Body elongate and cylindrical, compressed posteriorly. Head subcylindrical. Mouth terminal, maxilla reaches posteriorly to a vertical line from anterior part of eye. A short skinny flap at anterior nostril. Teeth on jaws in 1-5 rows (5 rows at front of jaw, 1 at sides). outer teeth enlarged; some inner teeth on lower jaw are enlarged and curved backward. Front of tongue rounded. Mental flap broad and short. Eyes 23-29% of head length Gill rakers 8-11: (0-2)+(8-9). Vertebrae: 27, including ural centrum (10 + 17, n=5). Dorsal fins VI + I,11-12; anal fin I,10-11; pectoral fins 21-24; caudal fin 17 segmented rays. Pelvic fins rounded, not reaching anus. Body covered with scales to a vertical at margin of preopercle. ). Mid belly scaly except for a small area at pelvic fin base. Scales on body, to a line from anterior spine of second dorsal fin to upper end of pectoral- fin base, ctenoid; scales on prepelvic area, pectoral base, sides of predorsal, and mid belly cycloid. Meristis and morphological data are presented in Table 6.
TABLE 6. Counts and body proportions (in %) of Caffrogobius
nudiceps
--------------------------------------------
n = Range mean S.D.
--------------------------------------------
LS 124 34 - 57 40.9 4.97
TR 113 11 - 23 13.6 2.59
PreD 74 0 - 5 1.5 1.49
D2 99 11 - 12 11.0 0.24
A 97 10 - 11 10.1 0.30
P 86 21 - 24 21.9 0.58
C 97 17 - 17 17.0 0
GR UL 20 0 - 2 1.4 0.66
GR LL 20 8 - 9 8.4 0.48
Total GR 20 8 - 11 9.6 0.85
------------------------------------------
SL/TL 127 80 - 85 83.0 1.25
HE/SL 127 29 - 35 30.9 1.27
BD/SL 127 20 - 24 21.0 1.03
E/HL 127 23 - 29 25.8 1.77
SD1/SL 127 35 - 38 36.5 1.00
SD2/SL 127 51 - 57 54.5 1.44
SA/SL 127 49 - 54 51.4 1.35
--------------------------------------------
COLORATION (preserved): Body and head brownish yellow the ventral parts yellow. A round black blotch above pectoral fin base. Proximal part of upper pectoral-fin rays with a wide yellowish band with a black inner margin. First dorsal fin with 2-3 horizontal lines of dark dots; in large fish these dots form 2-3 dark bars with brighter margins. One or two rows of dark dots on lower part of second dorsal fin. Distal margin of dorsal fins whitish. Caudal fin with 0-5 vertical dark rows of dots, sometimes partly or almost completely faded. Remaining fins dark to colourless. REMARKS:
C. nudiceps can be easily recognized by its wide yellowish band on the proximal part of upper pectoral fin rays. In addition, the presence of 1-5 predorsal scales is unique to nudiceps (but in some cases mid predorsal naked). From agulhensis and saldanha it can be distinguished by the absence of a black spot at the rear of first dorsal fin, by its minute papillae on cheek, the presence of vertical row 8, and by the short flap on anterior nostril. nudiceps differs from gilchristi, agulhensis and caffer by the absence of papillae row z. From natalensis it differs by having more segmented rays on second dorsal fin (=/>11), by the presence of row 5i and by having more papillae on rows 6i and os (15 and 18-21 v.10 and 10-12 respectively. The extreme high variability in scale counts (sometimes within the same population) could suggest a mixture of two closely related species. However, no other characters to support such a possibility were detected. DISTRIBUTION: East London - Walvis Bay Caffrogobius saldanha (Barnard, 1927)
Figure 13: Cephalic sensory system of Caffrogobius saldanha RUSI 31634, male, 70.4 mm SL, Kwelera estuary, E. Cape Province.
Gobius saldanha Barnard, 1927: 823, (Type locality: Saldanha Bay, South Africa. Holotypes: SAM 17355), 67; Winterbottom, 1976: 7. Bathygobius saldanha: Smith, 1949: 331, Fig.912. Monishia saldanha: Smith, 1960: 304. Ctenogobius cloatus Smith, 1960: 302,Fig.1, (Type locality: Knysna, holotype:RUSI 274). Ctenogobius saldanha: Talbot & Penrith, 1965: 190; Penrith & Kensley, 1970: 235. Nematogobius saldanha: Hoese & Winterbottom, 1979: 4; Mauge, 1986: 377.
Caffrogobius saldanha: Hoese 1986: 784, Fig.240.24. DIAGNOSIS: Body with 4-5 irregular rows of black dots forming horizontal short lines (median row darker than the others); black blotch usually present at the rear of first dorsal fin. Dorsal fin with 2-3 horizontal rows of black dots. Pectoral-fin base with 2-4 large black dots. Pelvic fins reach anus. Second dorsal and anal fins with 9-11 and 8-10 segmented rays respectively. LS 30-38; mid predorsal naked. Anterior nostrils with an elongate flap. Papillae on cheek moderate in size. Longitudinal row d with 3-6 papillae; row e with 46 papillae; vertical rows 8 and x4 absent; row o with 3 papillae; row z absent; rows 5i and 6i with 4-5 and 6-10 papillae respectively; row os with 9 papillae. DESCRIPTION: Body elongate and cylindrical, compressed posteriorly. Head slightly flattened. Mouth terminal, maxilla reaches posteriorly to a vertical line from anterior edge of eye. Teeth on jaws in 1-5 rows (5 rows at front of jaw and 1 row at sides). Outer teeth on both jaws enlarged; some inner teeth on lower jaw are enlarged and curved backward. Tongue obtuse. Mental flap broad and short. Eye diameter 24-31% head length. Gill rakers 7-10: (0-2)+(5-9). Some rakers on lower part of gill arch are rudimentary. Vertebrae: 27, including ural centrum (10 + 17, n=5). Fins: dorsal fins VI + I,9-11; anal fin I,8-10; pectoral fins 19-22; caudal fin 16-17 segmented rays. Pelvic fins round, hardly reaching anus. Body covered with scales to a line from anterior spine of dorsal fin to upper end of pectoral fin base. A naked strip along the base of first dorsal fin; mid predorsal region naked. Scales on body (except for the anteriormost ones) ctenoid. Prepelvic area and pectoral fin bases covered with cycloid scales, often embedded in epidermis and hardly visible. Mid belly naked; in a few specimens the naked area is very narrow. Meristic and morphological data are presented in Table 7.
TABLE 7. Counts and body proportions (in %) of Caffrogobius
saldanha
--------------------------------------------
n = Range mean S.D.
--------------------------------------------
LS 64 30 - 38 32.9 1.67
TR 57 9 - 12 10.3 0.65
PreD 69 0 0 0
D2 64 9 - 11 10.0 0.38
A 55 8 - 10 9.17 0.44
P 56 19 - 22 20.5 0.72
C 55 16 - 17 16.9 0.19
GR UL 14 0 - 2 1.1 0.51
GR LL 14 6 - 9 7.6 0.82
Total GR 14 7 - 10 8.6 0.82
-----------------------------------------
SL/FL 69 81 - 86 83.7 1.30
HL/SL 69 27 - 32 28.9 1.25
BD/SL 69 15 - 21 18.1 1.22
E/HL 68 24 - 31 27.7 2.22
SD1/SL 69 30 - 36 33.2 1.46
SD2/SL 69 49- 56 52.5 1.61
SA/SL 69 47- 55 50.4 1.68
--------------------------------------------
COLORATION (preserved): Body and head yellowish with 4-5 irregular rows of black dots forming horizontal short lines; median row darker than the others. Many dark dots of various sizes on head. Black blotch on membrane between fifth and sixth spines of first dorsal fin (absent in a few specimens). Dorsal fins with 2-3 horizontal stripes or rows of black dots. Caudal fin with 4-8 vertical series of black dots. Pelvic and anal fins colourless in most specimens, however, in some (both male and female) these fins and lower part of head are grey to black. Pectoral-fin base with 2-4 large black dots. REMARKS:
C. saldanha differs from caffer, natalensis, nudiceps and gilchristi by possessing a black spot at the rear of first dorsal fin, by its elongate flap on anterior nostrils, by having papillae of moderate size on cheek, 3-6 papillae on longitudinal row d (v. more than 25 papillae) and by the absence of the vertical row 8. C. saldanha differs from agulhensis by having LS 30-38 (v. 37-41) and by having papillae row k double (a single row in agulhensis). DISTRIBUTION: Saldanha Bay to Xora River, Eastern Cape Province..
Caffrogobius dubius (Smith, 1959) Coryphopterus dubius Smith, 1959: 210, Fig 30. (Type locality: Mahe, Seychelles. Holotype RUSI 210, 27.7 mm SL) DESCRIPTION: Body cylindrical, elongate and compressed posteriorly. Head subcylindrical. Mouth terminal, maxilla reaches posteriorly to a vertical line from anterior part of eye. No skinny flap on anterior nostril. HL 8.5mm, BD 5.3mm, E 2.4mm, SD1 5.3mm. Dorsal fins VI + I,13; anal fin I,11; pectoral fin 20; Caudal fin broken. Pelvic fins round not reaching the anus. Frenum smooth, bilobed with a deep notch between spine and soft ray of pelvic fin. Body covered with scales to a vertical line from the margin of preopercle. LS 60; TR (?)17; mid predorsal, prepelvic area, pectoral base and mid belly naked. Scales at the bases of the dorsal fins cycloid. Remaining scales ctenoid. The condition of the type prevents an accurate count of the cephalic sensory papillae, but it is possible to recognize the general pattern of the genus Caffrogobius. Body colourless except for a black spot above pectoral base. REMARKS: The only available material is the holotype (RUSI 210) which is not in a very good condition.
C. dubius differs from agulhensis, gilchristi, natalensis, nudiceps and saldanha by the higher counts of D2 (13 v. 9-12) and LS (60 v. 30-57). From caffer it differs by the lack of flap of anterior nostril.
LIST OF EXAMINED MATERIAL.
Caffrogobius agulhensis: 81, 30.2 - 63 mm. SL). SAM 17354, 2 syntypes., (2F), SL 56.4 - 63.0, Cape Point light house, False Bay, SW - W, 4.5 miles, 5.12.1902; RUSI 15889, 15 spec. (5F, 10M), SL 36.1 - 51.4 mm off waterfall, 3 km., west of Storm River mouth; RUSI 13444, 4 spec., (2F, 2M), SL 46.7 - 47.7, Rheerders Knoll, 1.2 km. E. of Storm River mouth; RUSI 14933, 1 spec. (F), SL 37.7mm, 6.7 m. off shore of Sunday River mouth; RUSI 14935, 3 spec., (2F, 1M), SL 35.8 - 45.3mm, Off Cape Recife, Thunderbolt Reef; RUSI 17128, 2 spec., (1F, 1M), SL 42.8 - 47.2mm, Beacon Island, Plettenberg Bay; RUSI 15903, 20 spec., (13F, 7M), SL 32.9 - 45.6mm, Rheerders Knoll, 2 km. E. of Storm River mouth; RUSI 14936, 23 spec., (16F, 7M), SL 30.3 - 36.5mm, off Swartkops River mouth; RUSI 13876, 4 spec., (3F, 1M), SL 34.0 - 46.5mm, 500 m. SW off Cape Recife; RUSI 13424, 3 spec., (3F), SL 34.0 - 40.2mm, 1 km. SW off Cape Recife; RUSI 14932, 3 spec., (1F, 2M), SL 30.2 - 43.1mm, Algoa Bay, off Pollock Beach; SAM 22304, 1 spec., (F), Sea Point, Cape Peninsula;
Caffrogobius caffer: 69 spec. (SL: 26.5 - 123.2 mm). BMNH 1871.4.21.17, Holotype (M) of Gobius caffer, SL 100mm, Port Elisabeth, South Africa; RUSI 1679, 11 spec., (7F, 4M), SL 29.8 - 76.6mm, Saltvlei,300 m. SW off Port Alfred, golf course; RUSI 32596, 4 spec., (4F), SL 55.4 - 91.2mm, Coffee Bay, E. Cape; RUSI 32597, 5 spec., (4F, 1M), SL 26.5 - 98.0mm, Hamburg, Keiskamma River, (in pool, at river mouth); RUSI 16850, 1 spec., (M), SL 76.4mm, Umgzi River mouth; RUSI 31629, 2 spec., (2F), SL 60.2 - 65.5mm, Cape Agulhas (rock pool); RUSI 31625, 2 spec., (1F, 1M), SL 82.5 - 96.9mm, Kwelera River Estuary, (200 m. from mouth, on sand among rocks); RUSI 31624, 4 spec., (3F, 1M), SL 58.5 - 66.5mm, Shelly Beach, West bank, East London; RUSI 31746, 3 spec., (2F, 1M), SL 39.4 - 75.8mm, Coffee Bay, E. Cape; RUSI 7206, 2 spec., (1F, 1M), SL 53.3 - 61.8mm, Great Fish point; RUSI 7339, 1 spec., (1F), SL 87.2mm, Maputo Bay; SAM 17846, 2 spec. (1F, 1M), SL 76.6 - 102.3mm, Kalk Bay, Cape Peninsula; SAM 24256, 1 spec., (M), SL 81.5mm, Onrus River Mouth, Cape; SAM 23216, 2 spec., (1F, 1M),, SL 100.5 - 123.2mm, Millers Point, Cape Peninsula; SAM 25501, 4 spec., (1F, 3M), SL 52.1 - 74.9mm, Strandfontein, False Bay, Cape Peninsula; SAM 15503, 23 spec., (12F, 11M), SL 36.6 - 66.5mm, Strandfontein, Rock Pools, Cape Peninsula; SAM 29431, 1 spec., (M), SL 70.5mm, Umgazana. Caffrogobius gilchristi: 72 spec. (SL: 24.5 - 102.4 mm).
BMNH 1898.10:2-4, syntypes (3M), SL 61.3-90.1mm, Little Brak River, Cape of Good Hope; RUSI 234, (holotype of Acentrogobius multifasciatus Smith), (F), SL 33.1mm, Mozambique Island; RUSI 741, (paratype of A. multifasciatus), (juv.), SL 24.5mm, Xora River; RUSI 14300, 14 spec., (9F, 5M), SL 39.1 - 57.1mm, Kwelera estuary; RUSI 8286, 1 spec., (M), SL 64.5mm, Knysna estuary; RUSI 17780, 5 spec., (4F, 1M), SL 44.8 - 74.7mm, Kowie River; RUSI 14290, 2 spec., (2F), SL 47.2 - 55.2mm, Kaffiruils River, 300 m. above bridge; RUSI 74-344, 2 spec., (2M), SL 57.8 - 71.0mm, Presley Bay, E. Cape; RUSI 31637, 6 spec., (5F 1M), SL 46.0 - 75.4mm, Fish River, Bridge slipway; RUSI 32482, 12 spec., (3F, 9M), SL 73.9 - 102.4mm, Buffalo River, E. Cape; ALG 8179, 1 spec., (F), SL 44.5mm, Keurbooms River estuary; ALG 8910, 12 spec., (4F, 8M), SL 43.7-56.6mm, Duiwelshoks River, Riversdale District, (bridge to Vermaaklkhid); ALG 9186, 12 spec., (4F, 8M), SL 44.0 - 97.0mm, Koriega River (Bridge from Theophilius); SAM 17347, 1 spec., (M), SL 81.0mm, Off Bleubery, Table Bay, Cape Town. Caffrogobius natalensis: 52 spec. (SL: 25.5 - 96.6 mm)
BMNH 1862.12.11: 40-42, syntypes (2M) of Gobius natalensis,SL 68.0,75.0mm, Natal; RUSI 30465, 1 spec., (M), SL 68.1mm, Mgeni - Beachwood, Natal; RUSI 31628, 2 spec., (1F, 1M), SL 50.8mm, Kwelera Estuary (Oligolepis Creek); RUSI 17776, 1 spec., (F), SL 35.3mm, Breede River; RUSI 17039, 9 spec., (4F, 5M), SL 38.0 - 47.7mm, Umtata River mouth, E. Cape; RUSI 8380, 2 spec., (1F, 1M), SL 25.5 - 30.3mm, Knysna; RUSI 12513, 1 spec., (F), SL 34.4mm, Zinkwazi; RUSI 13684, 1 spec., (M), SL 34.9mm, Mkomazi Estuary; RUSI 14980, 1 spec., (M), SL 63.1mm, Mkomazi Estuary; RUSI 7254, 8 spec., (3F, 5M), SL 45.5 - 96.6mm; RUSI 5280, 14 spec., (9F, 5M), SL 53.4 - 96.2mm, Knysna; RUSI 7253, 1 spec., (1F), SL 43.0mm, Xora River; RUSI 7252, 1 spec., (1F), SL 56.5mm, Tsitsikama coast; RUSI 7253, 1F, 430mm, Xora River; RUSI 7254, 8 spec., (3F, 5M), SL 45.5 - 96.6mm, no details; RUSI7255, 2, (1F,1M) 42.5-63.8, Fish Point; SAM 25292, 4 spec., (2F, 2M), SL 39.1 - 46.9mm, Richardo Bay, Natal; SAM 25509, 1 spec., (M), SL 45.9mm, Knysna Lagoon, Cape Province; SAM 23191, 1 spec., (F), SL 79.6mm, Sedgefield, Knysna Lagoon, Cape Province. Caffrogobius nudiceps: 105 spec. (SL: 20.3 - 100.8 mm).
MNHN A.1195, syntypes (2) SL 71,100mm, Cape of Good Hope; RUSI 10688, 1F, SL 87.2mm, Swartkops River, 4.5 km. from mouth of river; RUSI 14302, 5 spec., (5M), SL 49.9 - 67.8, Breede River (opposite the hotel); RUSI 8288, 1 spec., (F), SL 45.3mm, Knysna Estuary; RUSI 14328, 1 spec., (M), SL 54.3mm, Swartkops; RUSI 7236, 1 spec., (M),SL 87.2mm, Great Fish Point; RUSI 16868, 1 spec., (F), SL 50.3mm, Port Alfred; RUSI 14294, 10 spec., (1F, 5M, 4juv.), SL 29.0 - 57.3mm, Breede River (upstream of Kontiki settlement); RUSI 4052, 9 spec., (4F, 5M), SL 27.0 - 64.7mm, Koriega, (mud at low tide); RUSI 21565 8 spec., (6F, 2M), SL 29.4 - 48.2mm, Keurbooms Estuary; RUSI 31762, 8 spec., (3F, 5M), SL 25.4 - 56.7mm, Kwelera Estuary, RUSI 31792, 8 spec., (5F, 3M), SL 39.4 - 65.3, Kwelera Estuary; RUSI 31772, 2 spec., (1F, 1M), SL 58.7 - 55.0mm, Kommetjie (intertidal pool), E. Cape; ALG 11227, 1 spec., (M), SL 93.1, no details. ALG 9174, 2 spec., (2F), SL 32.4 - 41.9mm, Bushmens River estuary; SAM 24597, 14 spec., (4F, 6M, 4juv.), SL 20.3 - 41.5mm, Saldanha Bay, Langebaan Lagun, Cape Province; SAM 21481, 2 spec., (1M, 1juv.), SL 25.7 - 35.6mm, Langebaan, Cape Province; SAM 25494, 1 spec., (M), SL 94.0mm, Olifant River mouth; SAM 25095, 10 spec., (4M, 6F), SL 55.9-66.7mm, Port Nalloth; SAM 24011, 6 spec., (3M, 3F), SL 38.0-100.8mm, Lambert's Bay ; SAM 17344, 3 spec., SL 61.4-96.8mm, (3F), Gordon Bay; MNHN A.1376 syntypes (2) of Gobius capensis Castelnau, SL 78,94, Cape of Good Hope.
Caffrogobius saldanha: 68 spec. (SL: 20.5 - 87.4 mm) SAM 17355, Holotype, (m) SL 67.8, Saldanha Bay; SAM 25055, 31 spec. (8F, 9M,14 juv), SL 20.5 - 83.3mm Strandfontein, Cape Peninsula; SAM 23277, 1 spec., (M), SL 84.0, James swimming pool, Cape Province; SAM 21490, 2 spec., (1F, 1M), SL 34.5 - 38.2, Langebaan; SAM 23832, 6 spec., (5F, 1M), SL 27.2 - 32.4, Saldanha Bay, Cape Province; SAM 17911, 1 spec., (F), SL 87.4mm, Klok Bay, Cape Peninsula; RUSI 31360, 1 spec., (F), SL 54.9mm, Plettenberg Bay; RUSI 31361, 1 spec., (M), SL 48.9mm, Algoa Bay (flat rocks); RUSI 31634, 1 spec., (M), SL 70.4mm, Kwelera estuary; RUSI 31635, 2 spec., (2F), SL 51.4 - 56.0mm, Shelly Beach (west bank), East London; RUSI 31636, 1 spec., (M), SL 67.3mm, Shelly Beach, (west bank), East London, tide pool; RUSI 31632, 1 spec., (F), SL 47.1mm, Wellow Sanijs, intertidal pools; RUSI 31633, 1 spec., (F), SL 62.3mm, Bewigha Point, intertidal pools; RUSI 25507, 14 spec., (8F, 6M), SL 29.4 - 60.3mm, Port Alfred, RUSI 27564, 1 spec., (M), SL 35.0, Leopard beach. Umtamvuma R; RUSI 274, holotype of Ctenogobius cloatus (F) SL 70.0, Knysna.
Caffrogobius dubius: RUSI 210. holotype (f), SL 27.7,Mahe, Seyschelles. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. The research was carried out during a visit of the author to the JLB Smith Institute of Ichthyology, Grahamstown, South Africa. The author wishes to thank the scientific and technical staff of the Institute for their generous assistance, especially E. Grant for the drawing, O. Gon for his advice, B. Ranchord for the material and Mr. R. Stobbs for the X rays (part) and for the photographs. I also wish to thank P.A. Hulley and L.J.V Compagno of the South African Museum and J. Cambrey of Albany Museum (Grahamstown) for providing me with material. Particular thanks go to P.C. Heemstra for helpful comments and suggestions on an earlier version of this paper..
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THOMPSON, W.W. 1918. Catalogue of fishes of the Cape Province. S. Afr. Mar. Biol. Rep., (4): 75-177. VALENCIENNES, A. 1837, In: CUVIER G. & A. VALENCIENNES. Histoire naturelle des Poissons, Paris-Strasbourg. 12: xxix + 507 pp, pls 344-368. VAN TASSELL, J.L., P.J. MILLER & A. BRITO, 1988. A revision of Vanneaugobius (Teleostei: Gobiidae), with description of a new species. J. Nat. Hist., 22: 545-567. WEBER, M. 1897. Beitrage zur kenntnis der Fauna von S d Africa. I Zur kennitis der Susswasser Fauna von S d-Africa. Zool. Jb. 10: 135-200. WINTERBOTTOM R. 1976. Notes on the South African gobies possessing free upper pectoral fin rays (Pisces, Gobiidae). Spec. Publ. Smith Inst. Ichthyol,., (16): 1-11. Copyright 1996 J.L.B. Smith Institute of Ichthyology The following images related to this document are available:Photo images[fs96001b.jpg] [fs96001h.jpg] [fs96001j.jpg] [fs96001d.jpg] [fs96001l.jpg] [fs96001f.jpg]Line drawing images[fs96001c.gif] [fs96001k.gif] [fs96001g.gif] [fs96001i.gif] [fs96001e.gif] [fs96001m.gif] [fs96001n.gif] [fs96001a.gif] |
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