The vertebral column in this family shows that the first segment has been lost in Callionymus, as could be deduced from the fact that, in that genus, the first rib is on the second vertebra instead of on the third as is usual in Teleosteans. In the Gobiesocidae, as in Callionymus, there are three occipital condyles on a straight transverse line, the outer, formed by the exoccipitals, invariably articulating with the second vertebra.
Which have been described as ribs by Günther and by Guitel.
On the habits and anatomy of the French species, cf. Guitel, Arch. Zool. Expér. (2) vi. 1888, p. 423.
Arch. Zool. Expér. (3) i. 1893, p. 325.
What has been described as the rib of the first vertebra is an ossified ligament, probably homologous with the first epipleural, which extends from the clavicle to the neural arch of the first vertebra (ligamentum scapulo-occipitale of Siebenrock).