Atlantic Mudskipper
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
Brackishwater species from the west coast of Africa. ESV/Wikimedia Commons/GNU
[edit] Overview
Mudskippers are fascinating brackish-water fishes that require a specially set up aquarium to survive. They are worth keeping only if you can offer them a large system that includes both an above-water shoreline and swimming sections.
Family: Gobiidae
Other common name(s):
Native range:
Habitat: Mangrove swamps with exposed mudflats where mudskippers crawl out to hunt insects, even climbing branches and small tree shoots. An aquarium for them must include a moist artificial mud beach where they can practice their natural behaviors.
Maximum length: 25 cm (10 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 285 L (75 gal)
Water: Brackish 25 °C (298 K, 77 °F) - 30 °C (303 K, 86 °F)
General swimming level: Emerges from water to walk on mudflats.
[edit] Feeding
Carnivore. Feeds on insects, crustaceans, worms.
[edit] Aquarium Compatibility
Best kept in their own species tank.
[edit] Breeding/Propagation
Reported to spawn in burrows.
[edit] Notes
Not a good candidate for a conventional aquarium.
Also known as Periophthalmus papilio.
| Common name | Atlantic Mudskipper + |
| Family | Gobiidae + |
| Genus | Periophthalmus + |
| Image credit | GNU + |
| Maximum length | 10 in + |
| Minimum aquarium size | 75 gal + |
| Native range | West Africa +, Senegal +, and Angola + |
| Reference | 101 Best Tropical Fishes + |
| Specific name | barbarus + |
| Swimming level | Emerges from water to walk on mudflats. + |
| Text credit | KW + |
| Water max temp | 303 K (30 °C, 86 °F) + |
| Water min temp | 298 K (25 °C, 77 °F) + |
| Water type | Brackish + |