Eleotris gobioides, _Cuv. et Val._ Hist. des Poiss. tom. xii. p. 186.
This species was taken by Mr. Darwin in fresh-water, in the Bay of
Islands, New Zealand. It so well accords with the description of the _E.
gobioides_ in the “Histoire des Poissons,” that I conceive there can be
no doubt of their identity.
The profile slopes very gently. The lower jaw is longest, ascending to
meet the upper. There are three or four longitudinal lines on the
sides of the head, especially a very well marked one (not particularly
noticed by Valenciennes) extending backwards from the posterior angle
of the eye to the upper angle of the gill-opening. No appearance of
any lateral line. This specimen has a ray more in the anal than
Valenciennes gives. The fin-ray formula is as follows:—
B. 6; D. 6—1/10, the last double; A. 1/10, the last double; C. 16, &c.;
P. 18; V. 1/5.
Length 4 inches 1 line.
This species, except in respect of its separate ventrals, has very much
the habit and general appearance of the _Gobius niger_ of the European
seas.