Digestive Tract Morphology and Gastro-somatic Index of the Mudskipper Oxuderces nexipinnis (Cantor, 1849) (Gobiidae: Oxudercinae) in Southwestern Vietnam

This study analyzes the morphological characteristics of the digestive tract and the feeding intensity of Oxuderces nexipinnis in the Mekong Delta, based on 616 specimens (223 females, 393 males) collected monthly from August 2024 to July 2025. The results showed that this species possesses a wide mouth, small teeth, short and dense gill rakers, a short esophagus, an indistinct stomach, and a long intestine – typical features of benthic omnivorous fishes. The Gastro-somatic Index (GI) indicated that feeding intensity was significantly higher in males and immature individuals compared to females and mature ones. Moreover, GI exhibited seasonal variation, with higher values in the dry season than in the rainy season, and spatial differences, with fish from the northern Hau River showing markedly higher GI values than those from the southern Hau River. These findings provide data on the digestive tract morphology and the variation in feeding intensity of O. nexipinnis, contributing to a better understanding of its feeding activity under the ecological conditions of intertidal flats and mangrove areas in the study region.

View online

Authors

Tran, T. C. L., Phan, H. G., Nguyen, H. D. T., & Dinh, M. Q.

Publication Date

2026

Publication Name

VNU Journal of Science: Natural Sciences and Technology

Topics

Feeding ecology, Gastro-somatic Index, Oxuderces nexipinnis