Mudskipper Goby Fish

The Mudskipper, *Periophthalmus barbarus*, is a fascinating and unique Goby that spends much of its time out of the water. With prominent, independently moving eyes perched on top of its head, it has excellent vision both in and out of the water. Its pectoral fins are modified into “crutches” that allow it to “walk” and even climb on land. The body is typically mottled brown or gray, providing camouflage in its natural mangrove and mudflat habitats.

A specialized paludarium or brackish water setup is essential for the Mudskipper, providing both a significant land area and a shallow water section. A minimum tank size of 30 gallons is recommended for a single specimen, with larger tanks needed for groups. The land area should consist of fine sand or mud, allowing the Mudskipper to burrow. The water should be brackish, with a specific gravity of 1.005 to 1.015, and kept at a temperature between 75-82°F. Excellent filtration is necessary to maintain water quality. Mudskippers are territorial, especially males, and providing ample space and visual barriers on the land portion is crucial to prevent aggression. They are best kept with their own species or in a species-only tank.

In the aquarium, the Mudskipper will readily accept a varied diet of high-quality sinking pellets, frozen foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and bloodworms, and live foods like crickets and small worms. They are active hunters and will eagerly pursue food both in and out of the water. In a tank environment, *Periophthalmus barbarus* can reach a size of up to 6 inches. Breeding in captivity is extremely challenging and rarely achieved. There are no easily distinguishable external differences between males and females.