Glossogobius

The genus comprises approximately 42 species primarily found in coastal habitats and freshwaters. Most species are found in freshwater habitats, with many exhibiting an amphidromous lifestyle. However, there are also examples of species exclusively found in freshwater, including those from Madagascar, New Guinea, the Philippines, and Sulawesi. Notably, several species are endemic to the Malili Lakes in Sulawesi. A number of the Malili species are pelagic, exhibiting an enlarged swim bladder. Glossogobius ankaranensis is a troglomorphic, cave-dwelling species native to Madagascar. Glossogobius are often common and abundant in the lower reaches of rivers and streams. They play an important role as predators in their ecosystems. Three species have been recorded from West Asia. Still, their distribution is poorly known, and more species are likely to occur, particularly along the coast of Oman and Yemen, including Socotra. A comprehensive review of the diversity of these gobies is required. Glossogobius are important in coastal fisheries due to their relatively large size and the palatability of their flesh, which lacks bones. These fish are consumed locally and exported fresh and frozen, even to Europe and West Asia.

Further reading. Hoese & Allen 2015; Hoese et al. 2015 (diversity); Proudlove 1997 (cave species).

Key to species of Glossogobius in freshwaters in West Asia

1a - Middle rays in first dorsal prolonged; sensory papilla line 6 absent or very short (often only a few papillae long); each cheek line with 1 row of sensory papillae; 12–16 predorsal scales; 1+1+9–11, usually 1+1+10, gill rakers. ……………… Glossogobius tenuiformis

1b - Middle rays in first dorsal not prolonged; sensory papilla line row 6 distinct and long; each cheek line with 2–3 (rarely more) rows of sensory papillae; 15–24 pre-dorsal scales; 1–2+1+6–9, usually 1–2+1+7–8 gill rakers. ………………2

2a - Papillae line 5 below eye and suborbital papillae line 7 doubled. ……………… Glossogobius laticeps

2b - Papillae line 5 below eye and suborbital papillae line 7 single. ……………… Glossogobius giuris