Mudskipper

Periophthalmus barbarus

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Suggested Tank

40+ gallons

Max Size

10 inches

Difficulty

Hard

Temperament

Aggressive

Description

The Atlantic mudskipper is a stout, mottled brown-grey amphibious goby with bulging periscope-like eyes, a tall blue-edged first dorsal fin, and muscular pectoral fins it uses to crawl, skip, and perch on land. It is highly territorial and aggressive toward its own kind and most tankmates, so adults are usually kept singly or with one male per large, well-divided territory. It is not an aquarium fish in the usual sense: it needs a brackish paludarium with a broad sloping land area, only 4-8 inches of heated brackish water, humid air under a tight-fitting lid, and it will hunt any shrimp, crabs, or small fish it can catch.

Reef Safe

No

Environment

Mudskippers require a tank with both land and water areas, as they spend a significant amount of time on land. The land area should be muddy or sandy, with places for the mudskipper to hide. The water should be brackish, with a specific gravity of 1.005-1.015.

Behavior

Mudskippers are generally peaceful but can be territorial, especially during breeding season. They are active during the day and spend a lot of time out of water. They are known for their ability to climb, jump, and even "walk" using their pectoral fins.

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Mudskipper

Periophthalmus barbarus

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