..................................Mudskipper
Other names:...........none Origin:......................Brackish waters of African estuaries Max size:..................6" PH:............-..............8.0-8.5 Temperature:...........77-86 F. Min tank size:..........35 gallons Food:.........................live foods, pellets |
Mudskippers are gobies that have become adapted to an amphibious lifestyle.
They are common on tidal mudflats throughout tropical Africa, Asia and
Australasia where they crawl about out of water feeding on small animals
and algae. A number of mudskippers of the genus Periophthalmus
and Boleophthalmus are seen from time to time, but it is the
common mudskipper Periophthalmus barbatus that is the most
frequently imported. Although hardy, it does require very specialised
quarters to do well.
A mudskipper tank needs to have both a shallow water area and some gently
sloping sand or rocks on which the mudskippers can climb out and feed. The
ideal tank would be quite long and tall. The basic terrain can be made
using water worn, smooth pebbles and driftwood. A mix of fine gravel and
silver sand can be used to fill in the spaces. A bank or island area is
essential. The depth of water need only be about 10 to 15 cms (4 to 6
inches).
The tank must have a close fitting lid sufficient to prevent the fish
escaping and also to keep the air within the aquarium warm and humid. Some
ventilation must be provided though, such as by making small holes in the
lid, to prevent mould.
Although an regular tank heater can be used, it is advisable to place a
mesh "heater guard" around it to stop the mudskipper climbing onto it.
Alternatively, use a canister filter with a built in heater or use the
undertank heaters sold for reptile and amphibian vivaria.
Filtration should be by an electric canister filter, either internal or
external. Because the quantity of water is quite small, and only a small
part of the substrate is shallow enough to support aerobic bacteria, an
undergravel filter is not viable.
The water should be alkaline (pH over 8) and very hard. Incorporate some
calcareous material in the filter, and decorate the fish tank liberally
with sea shells. The exact salinity varies for the various species. None
will thrive in freshwater, but not all require full strength sea water.
They will do well in water with a specific gravity of 1.005 to 1.015. The
water current should be quite strong but not turbulent.
Mudskippers are territorial when mature. Since they are quite large fish,
the aquarium should be sufficiently spacious: one fish to each 20 to 30 cms
(8 to 12 inch) length of the aquarium should be adequate.
Periophthalmus barbatus is one of the smaller species, mature
at 15 cms (6 inches). Periophthalmus papilio is larger,
reaching 25 cms (10 inches).
Both Periophthalmus species are essentially goby-like, but
with flattened faces and with the eyes locate right on the top of the head.
The dorsal fins are patterned with bright blue and red when mature. They
display to one another by raising and lowering this fin. They feed on
chunky live foods like bloodworms, tubifex worms and crickets.
The less terrestrial Boleophthalmus pectinirostrosis grows to
about 20 cms (8 inches) and is rather more goby-like shape. The eyes are
located in a more normal position. It lacks the bright coloured dorsal fins
of Periophthalmus. It feeds on smaller food items than
Periophthalmus, such as worms and algae. It will also take
flake. Smear wet flake on smooth pebbles at feeding time, initially with
bloodworms or similar to coax the mudskippers into feeding.
Mudskippers are best kept alone or with fiddler crabs. In a really big
tank, with water at least 15 cms (6 inches) deep and 60 cms (24 inches)
broad, similar sized fishes can be combined such as young archerfish, monos
and scats.
Many thanks to Neale Monks for this info!
We appreciate your feedback.