James RickardMudskippers-a fish like no other fish
November 19th 2007 02:35
This unique creature can breathe with its gills like most fish. Yet, it can also breathe through its skin, making it similar to amphibians. Its gills must remain moist even when the mudskipper leaves the water for land so, it has an enlarged chamber that is filled with water to keep its gills wet.
Further, its habitat, burrowing among tree roots and stems in mangrove swamps, is a perfect environment, providing moisture for the mudskipper’s gills while providing protection from predators. Although mudskippers climb up the trunks and branches of trees, they can quickly return to the safety of a water environment at the first sign of danger from gulls or terns.
Despite this ability to change environments, mudskippers are one of the few fish that will actually drown if held underwater. Thus, the ability to surface and gulp air is imperative to its survival!
Science often looks at the mudskipper as an example of a species making the transition from sea to land. This is further exemplified in mudskippers because their pectoral (front) fins have evolved into muscular appendages that are not exactly fins and not quite feet that help this strange fish walk on land as well as under water. It’s ironic that mudskippers have evolved into creatures that are faster ABOVE water than below it. They are actually poor swimmers and spend as much as 75% of their time on land. Their hopping, skipping locomotion, effective in eluding danger, has given rise to a common name that you find with all varieties.
Found in tropical and sub-tropical waters including Northern Australia, Southeast Asia, and Coastal Africa, mudskippers are not sought by man as prized game partly due to their size; 4-12 in. (10-30 cm.). Despite this, they are sought by man for zoo specimens as well as making a great addition to any aquarium. While not predatory toward other fish, mudskippers are territorial so, large tanks are required—about 50 gal. (190L.) for a trio of large mudskippers but, the small variety only requires a 20 gallon tank and you can keep 4-6 in such an enclosure.
Cute in a homely sort of way with large, bulbous eyes, mudskippers have much more personality than other fish and have one unique, endearing characteristic—they can eat from your hand. That’s right—you can teach a mudskipper to take food from your hands!
The next time someone uses that old line about “…a fish out of water…” tell them about the mudskipper.
Until next time--watch yourself and watch your line!
*image from wikipedia.org
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Comment by Techno
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Comment by Lilla
From The Home Front
Enviro Warrior
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That is one cool little 'fish out of water...' - amazing!
I am left wondering what they will elvolve into next?
Great info, thank you.
Lilla ...
Comment by James Rickard
unlucky_ fishermen.com
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I wonder if we looked like them millions of year ago!
Comment by James Rickard
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Glad you approve! i thought it was pretty neat.
Comment by James Rickard
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The really cool ones are the little ones that you can keep in your aquarium. I don't know how I stumbled upon this info but the whole time I was reading I knew I HAD to include it in my blog!!!!!!! I've seen these things at the zoo but now, I have to go back and take another look knowing what I know now.
Comment by Anonymous
Comment by James Rickard
unlucky_ fishermen.com
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