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HABITAT
Mudskippers are most commonly found in mangrove swamps, where they
live in burrows among tree stems and roots. Although some may climb up the trunks and
branches of the trees, they dart back down and into their burrows at the first sign of
danger.
The trees provide shelter and cover from predators such as gulls
and terns.
SPECIAL ADAPTATIONS
A mudskipper can take in oxygen through
the mass of tiny blood vessels in its mouth and throat. But, as with other fish, most of
its oxygen comes through its gills.
The gills are contained in an enlarged
chamber that must be kept filled with water for oxygen exchange to occur. By frequently
splashing about in shallow pools, the fish keeps the two pulpy reservoirs above its gill
chambers filled with oxygen- containing water.
Above: Mudskippers defend their
burrows by charging and snapping at intruders while raising their dorsal fins.
Above: A pair of mudskippers watches
for insects from a dry perch. |
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It is likely that the first fish
to move from sea to land millions of years ago resembled the strange-looking, bulbous-eyed
mudskippers found in the tidal mangrove swamps of the tropics.
BREEDING
Male and female mudskippers look identical except
in breeding season, when the males develop brighter colors on their backs and sides. Males attract females by moving up and down rhythmically. When a
female shows interest, the male leads her into his burrow. The female then lays her eggs
and the male fertilizes them.
When the eggs hatch two to three weeks
later, the hatchlings swim from the burrow while it is submerged at high tide. The young
mudskippers can fall prey to a variety of marine predators, including adult mudskippers.
Above: Different species of mudskipper
vary in color and appearance. This male has a prominent, brightly colored dorsal fin. |
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FOOD & FEEDING
Some types of mudskipper feed on diatoms
(microscopic algae) that live in the mud. To catch them, mudskippers scrape off a thin
layer of mud by skimming their heads across its surface.
Other species of mudskipper feed on
larger prey, including shrimp, worms, and insects. They also eat crabs, despite the thick
shells. But sometimes mudskippers fall prey themselves to larger crabs.
KEY FACTS
Length: 6-12 in.
Mating season: May to July.
No. of eggs: Several hundred laid in burrows.
Hatching time: 2-3 weeks.
Habit: Solitary, lives in burrows dug out of mud.
Diet: Smaller species: algae and minute forms of
aquatic life. Larger species: small crabs, insects, and small fish.
Lifespan: Approximately 5 years.
RELATED SPECIES
There are approximately 600 species in the family Gobiidoe.
They are generally small, spiny-finned fishes with elongated bodies, found in coastal
or brackish waters. |
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| Did You Know?
Mudskippers dig burrows that are 20 inches or deeper by spitting
large mouthfuls of mud away from the burrow's entrance.
The mudskipper's eyes are adapted for both above and below water.
They can also be moved separately.
Mudskippers do not move with the tide. Instead, they spend most of
their time out of water. But at high tide they can remain completely submerged in their
burrows for up to two hours. |
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