Molecular phylogeny, analysis of character evolution, and submersible collections enable a new classification of a diverse group of gobies (Teleostei: Gobiidae: Nes subgroup), including nine new species and four new genera Author Tornabene, Luke Author Van Tassell, James L. Author Gilmore, Richard G. Author Robertson, David Ross Author Young, Forrest Author Baldwin, Carole C. text Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 2016 2016-08-31 177 4 764 812 http://doi.wiley.com/10.1111/zoj.12394 journal article 10.1111/zoj.12394 0024-4082 5460757 E952647E-1571-4A14-8BD4-54D1746760D0 GOBULUS GINSBURG, 1933 TYPE SPECIES : GOBULUS CRESCENTALIS (GILBERT, 1892) (GINSBURG, 1933: 12, BY ORIGINAL DESIGNATION) Diagnosis Possesses all taxonomic characters present in most members of Gobiosomatini and Gobiosoma group (first dorsal-fin spines VII, pterygiophore insertion pattern of 3 – 221110, 27 vertebrae – 11 precaudal and 16 caudal, hypurals 1 and 2 fused to some extent with hypurals 3 and 4 and the terminal vertebral element, one epural); pelvic fins partially united with each other by a well-developed membrane along at least one-third of their length, pelvic spines sometimes connected by a weakly developed anterior frenum; anterior pelvic frenum connecting pelvic spines absent or reduced to a thin membrane, not extending to tips of spines; pelvic-fin rays 1 – 5 branched; pelvic-fin rays not extending posteriorly to anus; side of body without scales (modified basicaudal scales absent); two anal-fin pterygiophores inserted before first haemal spine; papillae rows 5i and 5s separate; cephalic lateralis canals and pores absent; second dorsal-fin rays I,9-I,13; anal-fin rays I,7-I,12; body with distinct reverse countershading, with lightly coloured dorsal surface and dark-brown lateral and or ventral surfaces. The four species are known from both the western Atlantic Ocean and eastern Pacific Ocean. Remarks The genus Gobulus was the only genus delimited prior to this study that was recovered as monophyletic in our tree. The four species in Gobulus are very similar in overall appearance and general biol- ogy, and were reviewed in detail by Hoese & Reader (2001) . The molecular phylogeny shows strong support for a sister relationship between Gobulus and the clade containing the western Atlantic genera Psilotris , Varicus , and Pinnichthys .