An Indo-Pacific goby (Teleostei: Gobioidei) from West Africa, with systematic notes on Butis and related eleotridine genera

Abstract

An eleotridine gobioid fish recently found at Port Harcourt, Nigeria, is identified as the Indo-west Pacific Prionobutis koilomatodon (Bleeker). On the basis of head sensory papillae (free neuromast) patterns, this species is now transferred to the Indo-west Pacific genus Butis Bleeker. A systematic description of the Port Harcourt Butis koilomatodon is accompanied by observations on biology. Occurrence of this species in West Africa is believed to be the result of accidental transport in the ballast water of ships.

Keywords :

• Eleotridine gobioid fishes
• Systematics
• Lateral-line systems
• Dispersal
• West Africa
• Indo-Pacific
• Accidental Introduction
• Ballast-water