Eleotris vomerodentata Maugé, 1984

Family:  Eleotridae (Bully sleepers)
Max. size:  7.8 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater
Distribution:  Africa: only known from Andevoranto, east Madagascar (Ref. 6802, 123271).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 7-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Diagnosis: Eleotris vomerodentata is distinguished by second and fourth suborbital free neuromast rows on cheek extending ventrally past horizontal row 'd' ('2.4' pattern), row 'os' not connected with row 'oi' at ventro-posterior margin of operculum ('open' pattern); 15 pectoral fin rays and the presence of teeth in the vomer (Ref. 123271). Within the pattern '2.4' group, Eleotris vomerodentata differs from all other species by the presence of teeth in the vomer vs. absence (Ref. 123271).

Description: The body is elongated; the body depth at anus is 21% of standard length and the caudal peduncle depth is 13% of standard length; predorsal length 47% of standard length and preanal length 65% of standard length (Ref. 123271). The head, 35% of standard length, is depressed, the snout is pointed; eyes high on head; the mouth is large, as jaw length is 14% of standard length, and oblique, the posterior margin of upper jaw reaches the vertical through the two third of the eye; upper and lower jaws with multiple rows of small inwardly curved teeth, larger on outer row in upper jaw, on inner row in lower jaw; a few caniniform teeth in posterior position; presence of numerous well-marked teeth in half circle on the vomer, larger in the front part (Ref. 123271). Dorsal fin VI-I,9; first dorsal fin spine separate from and same height as second dorsal fin spine; spines not elongated; anal fin I,8 and directly opposite to second dorsal fin; pelvic fins separate, I,5; pectoral fins 15; caudal fin slightly rounded with 15 branched rays (Ref. 123271). Cycloid scales on top of head, nape, cheek, operculum, pectoral fin base, prepelvic region, and abdomen; ctenoid scales covering flanks; no lateral line canals; 51 scales in lateral series, 40 in predorsal series, 16 in transverse back series, 19 in transverse forward series and 11 in zigzag series (Ref. 123271). A downward pointing spine at the posterior margin of the preoperculum is covered with skin; gill opening moderately broad, extending to below the preoperculum; tubular anterior nares overhanging half upper lip, posterior nares open pits (Ref. 123271). Adults with five transverse suborbital free neuromast rows of which second and fourth suborbital free neuromast rows on cheek extend ventrally past horizontal row 'd' ('2.4' pattern); row 'os' not connected with row 'oi' at ventro-posterior margin of operculum ('open' pattern) (Ref. 123271). Urogenital papilla tapered in male (Ref. 123271).

Colouration: Colour in life unknown (Ref. 123271). Colour in preservation: head, preoperculum, body and abdomen beige to light brown; gular and isthmus clearer, rose to slightly whitish; fins whitish beige (Ref. 123271).

Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 30 June 2016 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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