The Morphologies of Mudskipper Pelvic Fins in Relation to Terrestrial and Climbing Behaviour

Two species of mudskipper are identified with different behaviours, which related to their pelvic fin morphologies. Periophthalmus variabilis has unfused fins and is capable climb on the vertical substrate. Another species, Boleophthalmus boddarti fused supports fish mobility across muddy In context anatomy, both composed a frenum covers girdle rays (lepidotrichia). The P. split that not interconnected, whereas B. completely merged skin. ray bones large bone structure, allowing it function as strong sitting pad semi-terrestrial Comparatively, in variabilis, shorter, hence provides flexibility grip more surface area for stick during locomotion. Histologically, epidermal layer lower quantities mucous cell than by 14.33 ± 1.53 33.33 cells per 100 epithelial cells, respectively. This difference reveals mucus produced possibly giving this an enhanced capacity Stefan adhesion terrestrial substrate boddarti. From this, locomotion climbing ability supported compared aquatic