The genus Caffrogobius Smitt, 1900 is composed of seven species. The
members of the genus are moderate size gobies, reaching a length of 10-14
cm (SL). The species of the genus are characterized by a combination of the
following characters: Cheek papillae pattern transverse; dorsal segmented
rays: 9-14; anal segmented rays: 8-12; caudal segmented rays: 16-18;
pectoral rays: 16-23. Scales along the body: 30-64; transverse rows of
scales: 9-23; vertebrae: 27 (11+16 or 10+17); formula of fin
pterygiophores: 3-22110.
Six species of Caffrogobius are found around the southern part of the
African continent (Mozambique to Namibia): agulhensis (Barnard, 1827),
caffer (Gunther, 1874), gilchristi (Boulenger, 1900), natalensis (Gunther,
1874), nudiceps (Valenciennes, 1837), and saldanha (Barnard, 1827). Some of
them are very similar to each other. In most species extreme variability in
the color patterns and in meristic counts was found.
C. gilchristi is considered here as a valid species and a senior synonym of
C. multifasciatus (Smith, 1959).
A seventh species dubius (Smith, 1959) from the Seychelles is listed and
briefly described.
