Abstract

Pandaka lidwilli (Gobiidae) is a small goby with a wide distribution, ranging from tropical to subtropical coasts. This paper reported for the first time the description of the morphology of P. lidwilli collected in Vietnam, based on 19 specimens measuring 6.3−10.7 mm in standard length (SL), collected in July 2021 from a muddy bottom habitat fringed by mangrove forests at the Tien Yen coastal wetland area, Quang Ninh province. The specimens were characterized by a round, elongated body (BD= 19.28−25.28% SL); a large head (HL= 29.21−34.66% SL); large, round eyes (ED= 10.00−12.64% SL) and a short snout (SnL= 4.76−6.63% SL). The anus was located approximately at the middle of the body (PAL= 51.81−58.85% SL). The dorsal fin had 6 spines and 7 soft rays, the anal fin had 6−7 soft rays, the pectoral fins had 14−16 soft rays, and the pelvic fins had 1 spine and 5 soft rays. Black dots and branched pigments were distributed across the head, back, abdomen, tail, and fins. This paper provides important morphological data that could help resolve the taxonomic ambiguities related to gobies in Vietnam.