CHRIOLEPIS ATRIMELUM (GOBIIDAE) A NEW SPECIES OF GOBIID FISH FROM ISLA-DEL-COCO, COSTA-RICA

A new species of seven-spined goby is described from the Pacific in de ep water off Isla del Coco. The species displays characteristics inter mediate between amphiamerican species of the genus Chriolepis and spec ies of the Atlantic genus Varicus, both of which also lack head pores. The holotype and only known specimen of Chriolepis atrimelum is disti nguished from its congeners by the completely scaled body, including c hest and belly; the greatly extended first three dorsal-fin spines of the male: the long dorsal and anal fins; and the large black opercular blotch.