The West African species ofEleotrisand their systematic affinities (Teleostei: Gobioidei)

The sleeper genus Eleotris Bloch and Schneider, 1801 (Teleostei: Gobioidei) is defined and five species recognized in tropical West African waters: E. vittata Dumeril, 1858, E. senegalensis Steindachner, 1870, E. feai Thys van den Audenaerde and Tortonese, 1974, E. daganensis Steindachner, 1870, and E. annobonensis Blanc, Cadenat and Stauch, 1968. These are defined by patterns of neuromast organs (sensory papillae) in comparison with counts of scales in lateral series. The systematic and phylogenetic position of the West African species is discussed in the light of a survey of type material representing New World and Indo-Pacific species. It is concluded that the West African species may represent at least three lines of evolution within the genus, and the possibility of dispersal across the Atlantic is discussed.