How to Identify Giant Mudskipper

To identify Giant Mudskipper (Periophthalmodon schlosseri), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Dorsally dark brown to grey-green, often mottled or spotted, providing camouflage against mud and mangrove roots. Ventrally lighter, whitish to pale yellow. Fins are typically dusky, with the first dorsal fin often having a dark margin or spots.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Large, prominent, independently movable eyes positioned high on the head, allowing for a wide field of vision above water., Robust, muscular pectoral fins with a distinct 'elbow' joint, used for 'walking' on land., Two distinct dorsal fins; the first is typically taller and more prominent., Thick, fleshy lips., Can grow to a considerable size for a mudskipper.

Dorsal fin

Two dorsal fins. The first dorsal fin (D1) has 10-17 spines, often tall and sail-like, especially in males during display. The second dorsal fin (D2) has 1 spine and 10-13 soft rays, typically lower and longer than D1.

Tail fin

Rounded to slightly emarginate caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Large, muscular, and highly modified, with a distinct 'elbow' joint, allowing them to prop themselves up and 'walk' on land. Possess 13-16 rays.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are fused into a disc-like structure, often used as a suction cup to adhere to surfaces or for stability on land.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Size

   One of the largest mudskipper species, reaching up to 27 cm (10.6 inches) in total length, significantly larger than most other mudskipper species.

2. 2

   First Dorsal Fin

   Often tall and sail-like, especially in males, and may have a dark margin or spots. The number of spines (10-17) is a key diagnostic feature.

3. 3

   Pectoral Fins

   Very robust and muscular, clearly adapted for terrestrial locomotion, with a distinct 'elbow' joint.

4. 4

   Coloration

   Dark, mottled dorsal coloration for camouflage against mud, contrasting with a lighter belly.

5. 5

   Eyes

   Large, bulbous, and independently movable, positioned high on the head.

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