Darwin's mudskipper
📖 Overview
Darwin's mudskipper (Periophthalmus darwini), first described by Larson & Takita, 2004 is a tiny fish in the family Gobiidae (order Gobiiformes). Adults typically reach 4.60 cm in maximum length. It inhabits freshwater systems including rivers, streams, and lakes. It occurs in Tropical waters. It is broadly omnivorous, taking invertebrates, plant matter, and detritus. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Least Concern.The species is kept in the aquarium hobby. Care requirements and behaviour align broadly with other Gobiidae kept in the hobby.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 5 - 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10 - 12; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 11 - 13. Can be distinguished by the following characters: body depth at anal fin origin 10.6-14.6% of SL, mean 12.7%; unique among Periophthalmus species in having a greatly reduced first dorsal fin (depressed dorsal 5.1-9.6% of SL) in both sexes, and usually with only five spines, fin widely separated from second dorsal fin origin; pelvic fins united for half their length, distinct fraenum present, posterior tips of fins pointed to bluntly pointed, fifth ray bifurcating close to base and branching about 9 times; first dorsal fin plain blackish except for slightly paler base and narrow whitish margin; second dorsal fin translucent with broad submarginal black band and a row of black spots or blotches along fin base; no melanophores on anal fin; pelvic fins whitish or with some fine speckling; orange spots may be present on lower side of head and body when live; second dorsal fin rays modally I,11; anal fin rays modally I,12; pectoral rays 11-13; caudal fin rays usually only with ventralmost 6-7 rays branched, dorsalmost 8-9 rays rarely branched; lateral scales 58-78; predorsal scales usually 24-25 .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Darwin's mudskipper is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; brackish; demersal. Tropical
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Darwin's mudskipper.
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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