Review of Schismatogobius (Gobiidae) from Papua New Guinea to Samoa, with description of seven new species

The species of Schismatogobius from Papua New Guinea to Samoa are reviewed and compared to

the three known species described from the area. Eleven species are recognized including seven new species.

These are described using genetic and morphomeristic approaches. The species differ by a high percentage of

divergence in partial COI gene (636 bp) and by several characters including the number of pectoral fin rays, the

pattern of the ventral surface of the head in males and/or females, the pectoral fin colour pattern, the jaw length/

head length ratio or the jaw length of male and/or female, and the fin lengths.