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Order : Perciformes
Family : OXUDERCIDAE
Species : Periophthalmodon schlosseri
Maximum Length : 25 cm
The Giant Mudskipper
Periophthalmodon schlosseri is one of the largest of mudskippers. It
prefers mangrove habitat, and is often seen clinging to mangrove tree roots.
It ventures out onto adjacent mudflats at low tide, keeping near the waters
edge as the tide falls.
The species is identified by its pale to dark brown body colour, adorned
with a black lateral stripe on each flank extending from the eye to the base
of the tail (though in some specimens the black stripe may be less
apparent). Some specimens or populations have dark banding across the back,
extending to the flanks.
The cheeks are patterned
with numerous pale bluish-white speckles, which are also present on the flanks though
fewer in number. The front dorsal fin is reddish-brown, and the rear dorsal
fin is dark, with a pale base. Both have a white or cream margin.
Giant Mudskippers feed mainly on invertebrates in the intertidal zone,
particularly small crabs. However, they have also been observed taking
other, smaller mudskippers of different species
Like the Blue-spotted Mudskipper
Boleophthalmus boddarti, they build extensive burrows in soft mud.
These are marked by depressions in the substrate up to a metre across, which
remain water-filled at low tide and are fiercely defended from rivals.
Periophthalmodon schlosseri occurs in various parts of Southeast Asia
including Indochina, Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore and parts of
Indonesia.
Fig 1 : Typical specimen with dark, lateral
stripe at
Pulau Kukup, Johor, Peninsular Malaysia.
Figs 2 and 3 : Courting pair at
Sedili Besar, Johor, Peninsular Malaysia.
Figs 4 and 5 : Two males confront each other, fins raised, in a
territorial dispute ... and a fight ensues. Sungei Buloh, Singapore.
Fig 6 : Specimen with thick, dark bands on its dorsum. Seen at
Admiralty Park mangrove, Singapore.
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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