Similar but Different: Differences Hitherto Overlooked between Boleophthalmus pectinirostris and B. boddarti (Teleostei: Oxudercinae) in Indonesian Waters

Abstract

During 2006-2017, we made a series of observations of Boleophthalmus pectinirostris on the east coast of South Sumatra province and Bangka island, Sumatra, Indonesia. This species is very similar to B. boddarti, in size, external morphological characters and behaviour. In this paper, we discuss the external morphological differences between B. pectinirostris and B. boddarti . Records of B. pectinirostris in southern Sumatra increase the known distribution range of this species 800 km southwards, indicating that this species was previously confused with B. boddarti in Indonesian waters.