Kopua minima (Döderlein 1887), a senior synonym of K. japonica Moore, Hutchins and Okamoto 2012, and description of a new species of Aspasma (Gobiesocidae)

Examination of the syntypes of Lepadogaster minimus Döderlein in Steindachner and Döderlein 1887 showed that species to be identical with Kopua japonica Moore, Hutchins and Okamoto 2012 , although long been regarded as a valid species of Aspasma . A lectotype is designated for L. minimus (= Kopua minima ), which is regarded as a senior synonym of K. japonica . A species commonly regarded as Aspasma minima is described as the new species Aspasma ubauo sp. nov., on the basis of 58 specimens from the Japanese mainland, and characterized by the following characters: 5–7 dorsal-fin rays; 6–8 anal-fin rays; 19–22 pectoral-fin rays; 4–6 gill rakers on each arch; head small, moderately depressed (dorsal profile flattened), its length 25.2–34.4% SL; mouth terminal; snout slightly pointed in lateral view; no subopercular spines; dorsal and anal fins well separated from caudal fin; single row (except anteriorly on premaxilla) of rectangular incisors in each jaw, lacking posteriorly hooked tips; large circular gap absent between anterior parts of premaxilla in dorsal view; disc size moderate, its length 15.8–20.6% SL; disc region D and anterior central portion of disc region A without flattened papillae; head sensory canal pores well developed, including 2 nasal, lacrimal and postorbital, and 3 preopercular pores; body without elongated spots or stripes. Morphological changes with growth and sexual dimorphism of the new species are also described.