A new species of mudskipper, periophthalmus takita (Teleostei: Gobiidae: Oxudercinae), from Australia, with a key to the genus

Abstract

A new species of mudskipper (Gobiidae: Oxudercinae) from northern Australia is described. This species was previously misidentified as P. novaeguineaensis Eggert, 1935. Periophthalmus takita sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congeners by the following suite of characters: modally VIII spines in the first dorsal fin; second dorsal and anal fins with I, 11-12 rays; shape and color pattern of the first and second dorsal fins; and the extent of fusion between the two innermost rays of the pelvic fin. A re-diagnosis of P. novaeguineaensis is provided, as well as a revised key to the genus Periophthalmus. © 2008 Zoological Society of Japan.