Ladder Gudgeon

This species is distinguished by the following characters: D2 I,9; A I,8; pectoral rays 16; lateral line scales 135-142; mandibular sensory papilla row I arranged in clusters; head broad and depressed; body slender, compressed posteriorly; pectoral fins heavily pigmented; body with distinctive ladder-like dark bars and complex serpentine pattern (Ref. 83590).

Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Analspines: 1; Analsoft rays: 8; Vertebrae: 27

The holotype was found under a small log in a very small muddy pool at low tide, in a partly cleared mangrove (dominated by Avicennia marina). The collection site is now 'reclaimed' land. The water was brackish (20 ppt) and only a few centimetres deep (Ref. 83590).