Introduction

Amphibious fish are fish that are able to leave water for extended periods of time. About 11 distantly related genera of fish are considered amphibious. This suggests that many fish genera independently evolved amphibious traits, a process known as convergent evolution. These fish use a range of terrestrial locomotory modes, such as lateral ondulation, tripod-like walking (using paired fins and tail), and jumping. Many of these locomotory modes incorporate multiple combinations of pectoral, pelvic and tail fin movement.

Periophthalmus barbarus

The Atlantic mudskipper (Periophthalmus barbarus) is a species of mudskipper native to fresh, marine and brackish waters of the tropical Atlantic coasts of Africa, including most offshore islands. This species occurs on the tidal flats of mangrove forests where it readily crosses mud and sand surfaces out of the water, using its pectoral fins to move.

Diet

Periophthalmus barbarus is an omnivore. In the wild, mudskippers prefer to eat worms, crickets, flies, meal worms, beetles, small fish, and small crustaceans (sesarmid crabs). Mudskippers kept as pets can eat frozen fare such as bloodworm or artemia.

Reproduction

Males and females look superficially alike, however the male develops much brighter colouration when in spawning condition. Reproduction in mudskippers follows a rather elaborate courtship routine resulting in the male leading the female to his burrow where spawning takes place.

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