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Fig 3
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Order : Perciformes
Family : OXUDERCIDAE
Species : Boleophthalmus boddarti
Maximum Length : 13 cm +
Mudskippers rank amongst
the most fascinating of intertidal life of mangrove and mudflat habitats.
The Blue-spotted Mudskipper Boleophthalmus boddarti is amongst the
most conspicuous of its kind and, if present, is easily seen at low tide
when active on exposed mudflats. At high tide they remain in their burrows,
hidden from sight.
The species reaches around
20 cm in total length, and is boldly patterned with diagonal rows of blue
spots along the flanks and scattered spots on the cheeks. Dark bands are
generally present on the flanks too. The eyes are large and bulging.
In some areas a similar and closely related species,
Boleophthalmus pectinirostris
('Great Blue-spotted Mudskipper'), may live alongside this species.
The Blue-spotted Mudskipper is highly territorial, and skirmishes between neighbouring
males are frequent. During such confrontations both dorsal fins are raised
as a threat. At this time the soft fin spines running through the anterior
dorsal fin are easily seen. Males also raise their dorsal fins and leap into
the air to attract a female, who is then escorted to the burrow for mating.
Observations suggest these mudskippers feed both on plant material as well
as small invertebrates
The Blue-spotted Mudskipper is widely distributed in coastal Southeast Asia
and beyond, from India in the west to at least Indochina, Borneo and New
Guinea in the east. In parts of Peninsular Malaysia it is locally abundant.
The species also occurs in Singapore.
Fig 1 : An adult male Blue-spotted Mudskipper patrols the area around its burrow.
Fig 2 : The elongated spines on this example identify it as a female.
Fig 3 : Sparring pair of males.
All photos from Parit Jawa, Johor, Peninsular Malaysia.
References :
Larson, H.K. and Lim, K.P. 1997. A Guide to Gobies of Singapore. Singapore
Science Centre.
Links :
The Mudskipper.org
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