Briggsia hastingsi, a new genus and species of clingfish from Oman

摘要

Briggsia hastingsi is described as a new genus and species of gobiesocid fish from a single specimen, 22 mm in standard length, collected in 2 m depth on the southeastern coast of Oman. The genus differs principally from other aspasmme genera in having fewer dorsal- and anal-fm rays (4 each) and a shorter head (head length 2.5 in standard length). The clingfish family Gobiesocidae is well named for the ability of the species to attach firmly to the substratum with a thoracic sucking disc, developed partly from modified pelvic fins of one small spine and four soft rays. All the species have a single posterior dorsal fin without spines, an anal fm without spines, broad pectoral fins with 16-31 rays, no scales, no swim bladder, usually a broad head, and a slender tapering body. A skin toxin was reported for two species (Hori et al., 1979). The family is represented in all tropical to warm temperate seas, and some species are found in fresh water. Many occur in shallow water, often in areas of high surge because of their adhering capability; many are cryptic, hiding beneath stones or among algae, and some species are commensal with invertebrates. Briggs (1955) revised the family, which he divided into eight subfamilies, characterized principally by the number of gill arches, whether the gill membranes are attached to the isthmus, and whether the thoracic disc is double or single. He recognized 33 genera and 93 species. There are now 35 genera and 156 species in the family (Eschmeyer & Fricke, 2009).