GOBIODON ACICULARIS, A NEW SPECIES OF GOBIOID FISH (TELEOSTEI, GOBIIDAE) FROM BELAU, MICRONESIA

A new species of gobiid, Gobiodon acicularis, bearing an unusual, high ly elongate first dorsal spine, is described. Other distinguishing cha racters, in combination, include lack of post-symphysial canine teeth in the lower jaw, high number of papillae on the dorsum, overall unifo rm pigmentation of head, body and fins, lack of an interopercle-isthmu s groove and a narrow gill opening. The material forming the basis of the description was collected in Belau (Palau) in the 1950's. Availabl e habitat data indicate that the species occurs in reef margin or lago onal habitats.