HomeFish encyclopediaRay-finned fishesPerch-like fishGobiesNew Guinea mudskipper New Guinea mudskipper (Periophthalmus novaeguineaensis) Scientific name: Periophthalmus novaeguineaensis Eggert, 1935 The New Guinea mudskipper (Periophthalmus novaeguineaensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Gobiidae. Native range: Asia and Oceania, Currently known from Australia and Indonesia. BiologyDorsal spines (total): 10 - 15; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-13; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 10 - 11. This species is distinguished by the following characters: D1 modally XI; D2 modally I,12; A modally I,11; caudal fin modally with 17 segmented rays; 71-110 lateral scales; 25-32 predorsal scales; inner rays of pelvic fin always united for more than three-quarters of their length; color of first dorsal fin red-brown or black, with broad, black submarginal stripe and white distal margin, the posterior edge concave, giving triangular shape to fin; color of second dorsal fin with whitish margin and one broad, black sub-marginal band and basal row of black spots; anal, pectoral, or caudal fins usually no markings, small brown spots or dusky pigment along length of fin or fin rays in some individuals; pelvic fin with prominent frenum and heavily pigmented on dorsal surface, with narrow, yellowish to whitish marginal band.Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Species factsScientific namePeriophthalmus novaeguineaensisFamilyGobiidae (Gobies)OrderPerciformes (Perch-like fish)ClassActinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)Maximum length8.0EnvironmentFreshwater; brackish; demersalClimateTropicalDistributionAsia and Oceania: Currently known from Australia and Indonesia.Conservation status (IUCN)Not EvaluatedThreat to humansHarmlessResilienceHigh, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.) SourcesTaxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.Last updated 27 September 2026