Great Blue-spotted Mudskipper

Boleophthalmus pectinirostris

Great Blue-spotted Mudskipper (Boleophthalmus pectinirostris) is a mudskipper of tropical Indo-West Pacific tidal flats and mangrove edges. It spends much of its time out of water on exposed mud, where it feeds and defends burrows. Angling value is limited and it is not a common target species.

Brackish

Great Blue-spotted Mudskipper reference image — Naotake Murayama, cc-by, via Wikimedia Commons. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Identification points

Stout mudskipper with a broad, flattened head and bulging eyes set high on top of the head
Bluish to blue-spotted patterning on the body and fins, especially on the back and flanks
Large pectoral fins used like limbs, and a cylindrical body built for crawling on mud

Habitat

Intertidal mudflats, mangrove margins, estuaries, and sheltered tidal creeks with soft mud and scattered burrows; typically in brackish to marine-influenced coastal wetlands.

Bait notes

Rarely targeted by anglers. Small pieces of worm, shrimp, crab, or fish flesh may be taken; tiny soft plastic grubs or insect imitations can work when fished on the mud surface.

Behavior

An active surface-feeding mudskipper that perches on mud, darts between burrows, and grazes on small invertebrates and surface films/algae. Often most active on low tides when flats are exposed.

Caution

Do not walk mudflats alone; they can be very soft and unstable. Check local rules before collecting or fishing, as mangrove and estuary mudskippers may be protected or subject to habitat restrictions.

Fishing notes

Best approached on exposed flats at low tide with very light tackle or by hand-netting where legal. Present bait on the mud surface near burrow openings and move slowly; avoid deep water presentations.