Order : Perciformes
Family : OXUDERCIDAE
Species : Pseudapocryptes elongatus
Maximum Length : around 19 cm

The Elongate Mudskipper inhabits mangrove creeks and small, muddy tidal inlets. It generally lies fully submerged, resting on the substrate, or at the water's edge with just its eyes protruding above water.

The species is a benthic feeder, and probably only emerges onto mudflats as it moves from one water body to another.

It is recognised by its slender, elongate body form, and by the dark, irregular, narrow bars which adorn its ventral surface. Its dorsal background colour varies from yellowish to different shades of brown. The front dorsal fin is translucent, and the tail fin is speckled.

The Elongate Mudskipper ranges from parts of Eastern India and Bangladesh to much of Southeast Asia including Indochina, Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore.

Fig 1 : Full-grown Elongate Mudskipper in a brackish,
30 cm deep, mangrove creek at Pulau Sugi, Riau Archipelago, Indonesia.

Fig 2 : Mangrove creek at Pulau Sugi, Riau Archipelago, Indonesia.


References :

Larson, H.K. and Lim, K.P. 1997. A Guide to Gobies of Singapore. Singapore Science Centre.


Links : 

The Mudskipper.org