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. takita [corrected] 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. takita [corrected] is provided, as well as a revised key to the genus Periophthalmus .