Mudskipper

Mudskipper
Periophtalmus sp
Max. size: 15 cm

 

Geographical distribution:
America, Asia, Africa

 

Biology:
This strange fish with its protruding eyes is able to hop along using its short leg-like fins to search for insects on the mangrove roots.  Its ventral fins have joined together to form a large sucker which it can use to attach itself to anything.
Also known as a walking goby, it can live both in and out of water: it breathes with its gills in the water and when it emerges it carries a provision of water in its cheeks and can also breathe through its skin (tegumentary respiration). Its vision is excellent because it can turn its eyes in all directions.  At ease in both water and air, this fish is perfectly adapted to life in the mangroves.

 

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