Mudskipper

Mudskipper

 

Scientific name: Periophthalmus spp.
Situation in the wild: Common
The Jerusalem Zoo: Exhibit at the Tropical Aviary
Mudskippers inhabit the zone between sea and land, mostly mangrove swamps, in the tropical areas of the Old World, their main habitat and distribution area being the Mangrove swamps in Tropical and Sub-tropical shores of Australia and Asia. The Mudskippers are fish with a special ability to live above and under water and they are interestingly adapted for life both in water and on land. Their pectoral fins are muscular and allow them to "skip" on land and to climb the roots of mangrove trees. their eyes are adapted for sight both in water and on land. They can breathe through their skin and mouth. This breathing system requires that their skin stay moist. The gill cavity is large and as they come out for air they can close it and keep the gills moist. Large sacks above the gills allow them to carry water and breathe on land. The level of adaptation for amphibious life varies among the species: some spend most of their time on land, while others venture out of water only rarely. To escape danger mudskippers dig deep burrows to which they retreat, and where also eggs are spawned and fry hatch. During their activity hours mudskippers forage for algae, unicellular organisms, insects and small crabs and fishes. The Mudskippers are territorial and defend themselves from tidal affects by digging and hiding in small pits. You can observe the Mudskippers at the recently renovated Tropical Aviary, here at the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo.