<i>Chriolepis atrimelum</i> (Gobiidae) a new species of gobiid fish from Isla del Coco, Costa Rica

Abstract

A new species of seven-spined goby is described from the Pacific in deep water off Isla del Coco. The species displays characteristics intermediate between amphiarnerican species of !he gemis Chriolepis and species of the Atlantic genus Varicus, botb of which also lack head pores. The holotype and only known specimen of Chriolepis atrimelum is distinguished from its congeners by !he completely scaled body, including chest and belly; !he greatly extended fu-st !bree dorsal-fin spines of tbe male; tbe long dorsal and anal fins; and the large black opercular blotch