Revision of Hypseleotris (Teleostei: Eleotridae) from Indo-Pacific Islands using molecular and morphometric approaches, with description of one new species

Abstract

Abstract The taxonomy of Hypseleotris fish species from the Indo-Pacific (Australian endemics not included) is revised, using combined molecular and morphological approaches. Seven species are recognized, including description of one new species (Hypseleotris ebneri sp. nov.) and re-elevation of four previous synonyms (Hypseleotris alexis, Hypseleotris everetti, Hypseleotris guentheri and Hypseleotris moncktoni). Two other species retained are Hypseleotris compressa and Hypseleotris cyprinoides. The species differ by divergence in mitochondrial genes (complete ND2 and COI) and by characters including the number of pectoral fin rays, scales in lateral, transverse forward and pre-dorsal series, body depth and head length. The number of Hypseleotris species is greater than previously thought and there are serious conservation issues for several species that have limited distributions. As four different species were found in Papua New Guinea, it is important to study all the specimens collected in this country, and we recommend additional field and genetic sampling, because it is likely that other Hypseleotris species with narrow distribution ranges also exist there.