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[The] absence of cheek scales, relatively larger eyes, row 1 oblique, uppermost pectoral rays separated from membrane just at their tips, the fourth branched pelvic ray about one ninth longer than the fifth branched pelvic ray (Miller, 1967), turn out to be just juvenile characteristics of G. cruentatus, as observed on the specimens in the 33.9 to 42.0 mm SL size range. The only difference between the data for G. strictus (Miller, 1967, 1986) and juvenile G. cruentatus remain the vestigial anterior membrane of G. strictus. This single, variable character is not enough evidence to justify the validity of G. strictus, so that G. strictus is probably a juvenile form of G. cruentatus (Miller, 1986; this study). |