Abundance and Behaviour Variation of the Giant Mudskipper Periophthalmodon schlosseri (Oxudercidae) in Two Habitats with Different Environmental Gradients

The objective of this study was to compare the water parameters, abundance and behaviour of the giant mudskipper Periophthalmodon schlosseri between the estuarine mudflats in a fish market and a mangrove forest along the Gigis River in the state of Sarawak, Malaysia. Water samples were taken from both locations to determine temperature, pH, total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen, electroconductivity and salinity. The samples from the mangrove forest had a significantly better water quality, which may correlate with the significantly higher abundance of mudskipper in the mangrove forest. The proportion of individuals displaying feeding behaviour was significantly higher in the mangrove forest, while more animals rested in the fish market. The duration of locomotion, feeding, resting, and burrowing was significantly longer in the mangrove forest. In contrast, the mudskipper spent more time displaying agonistic behaviour in the fish market. Thus, we confirmed that environmental conditions affected the abundance and behaviour of P. schlosseri.