Key to the Glossogobius complexes from the Malili Lakes
1. Head pores completely absent.................................................. ...................................... 2 ( Glossogobius flavipinnis complex)
– Head pores present, at least in interorbital region................. 3
2. Second dorsal rays usually I,9; anal rays usually I,8; confined to Lake Mahalona.... Glossogobius mahalonensis new species
– Second dorsal rays I,8; anal rays I,7; confined to Lake Towuti................................................ Glossogobius flavipinnis
3. Anal rays usually I,9; body compressed and deep, body with numerous pupil sized or smaller spots on midsides; Lakes Towuti and Mahalona .......... Glossogobius intermedius
– Anal rays normally I,8, body rounded and slender, body uniformly coloured, with faint stripes or a few large dark spots usually greater than eye size ........................................... ........................................... Glossogobius matanensis complex