Key to the species of Gobionellus
This key is from Pezold 1984
1a. Scales over trunk region from second dorsal
and anal fin origins to caudal fin base reduced ctenoid type
(cycloid in appearance, smooth to the touch) ......................2
1b. Scales over trunk region finely ctenoid,
not smooth to the touch.....................3
2a. Total elements of second dorsal and anal
fins equal in number, 15 in each fin; dorsal fins broadly confluent;
no midlateral blotches, may have blotches on dorsum but not
extending below midline .....................................................................
G. liolepis
2b. One more ray in anal fin than second dorsal
fin (Usually 14 and 13, respectively); first dorsal base extends
to second dorsal but not broadly connected; sides of trunk with
vertically elongate midlateral blotches that extend above and
below midline .................................................................................................G.
stomatus
3a. Total elements in soft dorsal and anal
fins equal, 13 in each; scales large, 28 to 35 in a lateral
series; nape naked or with few scales .............................
G. daguae
3b. One more element in anal fin than in soft
dorsal; scales moderate to small 50-90+; nape completely scaled
......................................................................................4
4a. Generally 13 total elements in the second
dorsal, 14 in the anal fin; prominent vertically elongate midlateral
blotches extending above and below the midline; jaw extremely
elongate in males, reaching beyond rear margin of orbit, to
preopercle in large individuals (10.6-16.5% SL) ..........................................................
G. microdon
4b. Usually 14 elements in D2, 15 in anal fin;
if blotches present, restricted to dorsum; jaw to posterior
margin of orbit, never approaching preopercle (7.5-10.5% SL)
.....5
5a. Most prominent pigmentation a well-defined
dark patch on opercle and a basicaudal spot, anterolateral blotch
described below may be faintly visible; lateral scales 54 to
66 ....................................................................................
G. occidentalis
5b. Most prominent pigmentation an anterolateral
trunk blotch beneath tips of upper pectoral rays; some, especially
juveniles, with a row of small dots midlaterally (may be seen
in juvenile G. occidentalis) and/or blotches on dorsum and a
basicaudal spot; lateral scales about 60 to 70's in Caribbean
and South American populations, mid 70's to low 90's in Gulf
of Mexico, both forms occurring along eastern seaboard of United
States ..................................................................................................
G. oceanicus
