Bostrychus scalaris Larson, 2008
Ladder gudgeon
Bostrychus scalaris
photo by Larson, H.K.

Family:  Butidae (Gudgeon gobies)
Max. size:  9.3 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; marine
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Malaysia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 7-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 8-8; Vertebrae: 27-27. 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).
Biology:  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).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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