Pearse's Mudskipper
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
Fascinating fishes that move in and out of the water with ease. JJPhoto.dk
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):
- Mudskipper
Native range:
Habitat: Brackish shallow waters near stream banks, mud flats, and mangrove swamps. They are very much like amphibians, breathing air above water, and they must be able to emerge frequently. (They can survive more than 36 hours out of water if kept moist.)
Maximum length: 10 cm (4 in)
Water: Brackish 24 °C (75 °F) - 28 °C (82 °F)
General swimming level: Near surface to perching on shore.
Feeding
Carnivore. Feeds on worms, insects, crustaceans.
Aquarium Compatibility
Keep with peaceful, non-predatory fishes. Public aquaria keep them in small groups and they display many interesting social interactions.
Special Care
Aquarium must have a moist "beach" or mudflat where the mudskippers can emerge from the water. Here they will walk, hop, and even climb branches. Ideally, the mudflat will have a source of slow-flowing water and be deep enough so that the mudskippers can bury themselves.