Care
Mudskippers are amphibious fish that are known from intertidal habitats in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions. As the name suggests, they use their modified pectoral and pelvic fins to walk (hop) on land. They also have the ability to breathe via cutaneous respiration - that is through the skin and lining of the mouth and throat - but to do this they have to stay moist, hence the need for a humid or wet environment. In addition, they also have enlarged opercula (gill chambers) which allow them to retain a bubble of air, which also aids breathing whilst out of water. To maintain body temperature, they dig tunnels in the soft silty substrate, and these burrows also afford them protection from predators. Mudskippers sit within the Order Gobiiformes, Family Oxudercidae, Subfamily Oxudercinae. There are currently 10 oxudercine goby genera recognised, of which Boleophthalmus, Periophthalmodon, Periophthalmus, Scartelaos, and Zappa are accepted as true Mudskippers. The genus that we are detailing here, Periophthalmus, is the most speciose with 19 described species, found in estuaries, lagoons, mangrove swamps, and mudflats. Several of these species are seen regularly in the aquatics trade. Mudskippers require a paludarium or an aquarium that has a vastly dropped water level with decor and salt-tolerant plants extending above the water line, leading on to dry land. Approximately 2/3 of the layout should be land, and 1/3 of it brackish water. They absolutely MUST have an area where they can climb free of the water, where they will spend time basking in the humid air. The terrestrial area should be sandy (which will allow them to dig burrows) with plenty of roots, marginal/terrestrial plants, and rocky caves, and the water area should be heated and filtered as normal. The heater should be protected with a heater guard to prevent burns if the Mudskippers lay against it. Turtle docks/rafts can also be very useful additions for this type of set up, but never forego a large expanse of sand substrate above the water line for burrowing purposes. A tight fitting lid is essential to keep humidity in, and be sure to block all holes where equipment feeds into the tank (sponges are useful for this purpose), as Mudskippers are great escape artists. Regular partial water changes should be carried out on the water area as you would do in an aquarium, in order to keep nitrate at a minimum. Be sure to use a quality marine salt for water changes, and monitor salinity carefully with a hydrometer. All Periophthalmus spp. are territorially aggressive, although the level of aggression does vary from species to species. Males of many of the larger species, such as the West African Mudskipper, P. barbarus, (a species commonly traded and recognised by its large 25cm/10" size and bright blue dorsal fins) can be so aggressive and intolerant of their own kind in the confines of a paludarium, that they can only be kept alone - even in spacious quarters. Topping out at 20cm (8"), the Silver Barred Mudskipper (P. argentilineatus) is another sizeable species that is regularly traded, but is nowhere near as aggressive as P. barbarus. P. argentilineatus may be recognised by the attractive silver vertical stripes along the flanks. However, undoubtedly the most popular species with aquarists is the Indian Dwarf Mudskipper (P. novemradiatus). This species is ideal for the home paludarium on account of its small size (6.5cm/2.6") and less territorial nature, which means it can be maintained in groups in spacious housing. Mudskippers should not be combined with fishes, amphibians, or invertebrates, and never try to mix more than one species of Mudskipper with another.
Feeding
Offer a variety of meaty foods including bloodworm, white mosquito larvae, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, Mysis shrimp, finely chopped krill/clam etc. Some will take dried foods such as flake. Mudskippers are notoriously greedy and will beg for food, so be careful not to overfeed as this can lead to health complications.
Breeding
Unlikely to breed in the home aquarium. In the wild, Mudskippers spawn in their burrows.
