Analogues: (VMS4: jaw angle, thorax, anal fin, caudal peduncle) The larval stage has not been identified for Lophogobius cyprinoides, however, based on the transitional recruit, the melanophore pattern would be similar to the Bathygobius, Lythrypnus, and Coryphopterus larval types. Unfortunately, the latter taxa are very common and diverse in larval collections, making it possible that the larvae of L. cyprinoides may have been subsumed in those. Fin-ray counts do differ, but only slightly. Notably, if it is consistent, the absence of a second thoracic melanophore anterior to the pelvic-fin insertion would be important since these other larval types have two thoracic midline melanophores. Bathygobius larvae have either fewer or more pectoral-fin rays and distinctive internal melanophores not obviously apparent on the transitional L. cyprinoides. Larval Coryphopterus only rarely have 10/9 median fin elements; the one species with that count, C. alloides, has fewer pectoral-fin rays and more procurrent caudal-fin rays. Lythrypnus have fewer pectoral-fin rays. The seven-spined gobies with similar larvae do not have the jaw angle melanophores and the caudal peduncle streak extends only halfway to the caudal fin. The seven-spined Barbulifer larvae share the median fin-ray count and the jaw angle melanophores, but have additional melanophores and a flattened head.
Diagnosis: Modal fin-ray counts of D-VI,10 A-9 and Pect-18 are shared by Lophogobius cyprinoides and Priolepis hipoliti. L. cyprinoides has a pelvic frenum, which is absent in larval and juvenile P. hipoliti. Coryphopterus alloides matches the median-fin ray counts but has fewer pectoral-fin rays (16-17) and recruits are pale sand gobies with a prominent internal dark mid-body bar. Bathygobius mystacium and B. soporator have more pectoral-fin rays (mode of 19-20). B. curacao and Lythrypnus have fewer pectoral-fin rays (15-17 and 14-16).
Description: Based on the transitional recruit, the body is somewhat long and narrow (although wider anteriorly than most goby larvae) with a large eye and a terminal mouth. Pectoral fins long, pelvic fins long and fused with an obvious pelvic frenum, caudal-fin procurrent rays 6-7 (6 spindly). Dorsal and anal-fin bases relatively short, caudal peduncle rapidly narrowing. Larval melanophores apparent on the transitional recruit include those at the jaw angle and a series along the ventral midline: a single one at the thorax, a row along the base of the anal-fin rays, and streaks along the caudal peduncle extending up to the procurrent caudal-fin rays.
Lophogobius cyprinoides, commonly known as the crested goby, is a small fish that is widespread throughout the western Atlantic Ocean.
The crested goby is a small but stout fish, reaching a maximum length of 10 cm (3.9 in).[2] Its body appears compressed and a crest extends back from the middle of its eyes. They have six dorsal spines with the fourth spine being the longest, and 16–20 pectoral fin rays which reach beyond the start of the anal fin in adults. The tail is wide and round. Both sexes have reddish-brown to olive mottling along their head and bodies, but those of the males are more extensive and darker in color. The females cheeks are covered with pale spots, also with several pale lines behind eye, while males have black and orange spots on the first dorsal fin, which change to black and violet during breeding.
This widespread species occurs throughout the western Atlantic Ocean, from South Florida and Bermuda, throughout the Caribbean, and along the coasts of Central & northern South America.[2] Adults are capable of dwelling in fresh or saltwater and inhabit tidal creeks, estuaries, mangroves and other coastal waters with salinity ranging from 0.0 to 39.3 ppt. Crested gobies favor mangroves because it uses the extensive underwater roots for shelter and hiding.[3]
Crested goby feed mainly on algae, but are opportunistic feeders and will take small insects, crustaceans and molluscs.[4]
The vast majority of crested gobies are born females, but some will change to males during their lifespan. Only a small number of individuals are born male; those that are will stay that way for life. Crested goby lay their eggs in rocky areas along the sea bed, where they are secured from being swept away by harsh currents. While they produce a relatively low amount of eggs, crested gobies can breed anytime throughout the year.
Lophogobius cyprinoides, commonly known as the crested goby, is a small fish that is widespread throughout the western Atlantic Ocean.
