Microgobius urraca (Teleostei: Gobiidae), a new species of goby from the tropical eastern Pacific

摘要

A new species of goby in the genus Microgobius (Teleostei: Gobiidae: Gobiosomatini) is described from the Pacific coast of Panama. It is morphologically similar to M. erectus, but differs from that species in possessing fewer lateral scale rows, lacking a patch of ctenoid scales under the pectoral fin, having unpigmented epaxial myosepta, having a distinct oval-shaped dark blotch on the first dorsal fin, and possessing three blue-white stripes on a dark caudal fin. Differences in both the number andtype of scales, dorsal and anal fin ray counts, the poor development of a fleshy dorsal crest, and overall color patterns further distinguish this species from the remaining eastern Pacific congeners. Photographs of all Pacific species of Microgobius anda dichotomous key to the Pacific members of the genus are provided.