Boleophthalmus boddarti, Boddart's goggle-eyed goby, is a species of mudskipper native to the Indo-Pacific, and the type species of the genus Boleophthalmus. Taxonomy Etymology The specific epithet, boddarti, is in reference to Pierre Boddaërt, who collected the holotype for the species. Description Like other mudskippers, Boleophthalmus boddarti is capable of moving on land, and uses its pectoral and pelvic fins to move about on the surface of tidal flats in its native range at low tide. The fish is boldly patterned, with rows of blue spots along its flanks and cheeks, as well as dark bands running down its body. Distribution B. boddarti occurs across the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from India in the west to Papua New Guinea in the east, with additional populations found on the coastline of China in the north and Sulaibikhat Bay in the Persian Gulf off the coast of Kuwait. Populations in Malaysia and Sumatra are sympatric with the closely related species Boleophthalmus pectinirostris. In India, the species is sympatric with Boleophthalmus dussumieri. Behaviour Territoriality Individuals of B. boddarti are noticeably territorial, and will fight with others of their species to defend their burrows at low tide, raising their dorsal fins as a threat display. Males will also use their tail to jump into the air with their dorsal fins raised as part of a courting ritual to attract females to their burrows during the breeding season. Diet Boleophthalmus boddarti is primarily herbivorous, and browses on green algae by scraping it off the surface of the ground at low tide using horizontal motions of its head and the teeth of its lower jaw. It also eats benthic crustaceans, polychaete worms, fish eggs and copepods. Relationship with humans As food B. boddarti is edible, and is occasionally caught and eaten, though it isn't targeted by commercial fisheries. The species is sometimes found on sale at markets in the vicinity of its native range. Status and conservation B. boddarti was evaluated as being of Least Concern in 2021, as the species occupies a wide range without significant fragmentation. While a definitive population size for the species is unknown, B. boddarti is believed to be relatively abundant according to recent surveying. The main threat to this species in its native range is water pollution. References boddarti Mudskippers Fish of the Pacific Ocean Taxa named by Peter Simon Pallas Fish described in 1770