First Record of the Goby Myersina macrostoma from Japan

Abstract

Twelve specimens of a goby were collected from Ishigakijima, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan.They were identified as Myersina macrostoma by Dr.Hoese of the Australian Museum through comparison with the holotype collected from the Philippines. Myersina macrostoma has hitherto been known only from the holotype described by Herre (1934).This record is the first from Japan.
This species is thought to be closely related to the genus Cryptocentrus.The characteristic features of Myersina macrostoma are found in the gill-membranes and the vomer.Both sides of the gill-membranes are united across the isthmus.Both sides of the lateral anterior part of the under side of the vomer protrude posteriorly and interiorly as pointed processes, which were described as teeth in the original description.