MORPHOLOGY OF THE MUDSKIPPER’S BURROW (Boleophthalmus boddarti) IN SEMI-INTENSIVE FARMING
Abstract
Boleophthaslmus boddarti is an amphibious fish inhabiting in mudflats. It also breathes air at the surface opening. The morphology of the blue-spotted mudskipper’s burrows is studied using resin casts of burrows in-situ. Burrows have several openings with “footprints” made by its pectoral fins, several branching tunnels and multi-bulbous chambers (i.e., dilated portions of the burrow). There is no mound in the structure of the burrows, but slightly sloping interconnected tunnels, and many short cul-de-sac side branches. The presence of these chambers accords with the fish adequate space to maneuver inside the burrow, and thus constant access to the surface. This study indicates that Boleophthaslmus boddarti actively processes sediments and uses its burrows as a feeding ground and shelter from predators.
Keywords: Blue-spotted mudskipper, burrow morphology.
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