Atlantic Mudskipper

Tropical reef fish

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Identity card

Atlantic Mudskipper

Scientific name:: Periophthalmus barbarus

Family:: Gobiidae

Class:: Actinopterygii

Phylum:: Chordata

Year of description:: Linnaeus, 1766

IUCN Status:: Least Concern

Distribution:: Atlantic Ocean, from Senegal to Angola and as far as the Central West Pacific Ocean.

Habitat:: Between the roots of mangroves.

Size:: The largest males measure up to 25 cm.

Diet:: Crustaceans or insects.

They are also called mangrove gobies because they can walk or even hop on the mud.

When out of the water, the Atlantic mudskipper blinks repeatedly. In fact, this action agitates the water around its gills and probably enables it to oxygenate itself. The Atlantic mudskipper is territorial and oviparous. Adults feed mainly on crustaceans or insects.

Did you know?

Where is the animal to be found?

This unique fish from the mangroves can live out of the water and jump on the mud or walk on the sand. The Atlantic mudskipper lives in the mud, on rocks and between the roots of mangroves. It can even be seen crawling on low branches.

How can it be recognised?

The largest males measure up to 25 cm.

What is distinctive about it?

The Atlantic mudskipper is quite unique. It can live in and out of the water and adapt its respiratory system to suit its condition. Its eyes, located on the top of its head, give it a very wide field of vision, like a periscope.