Giant Mudskipper (Periophthalmodon schlosseri)

The Giant Mudskipper (Periophthalmodon schlosseri) is a fascinating member of the family Gobiidae which like all mudskippers are specially adapted for life outside of the water. This species which is the largest of the mudskippers is found throughout the coastal Indo-Pacific, this species inhabits tidal mud flats, often in large groups with a defined social hierarchy. In the wild, they are adept predators that use their modified pectoral fins to hop across land and climb trees to catch insects and small crustaceans but in the aquarium will accept most frozen and freeze dried foods. An ideal aquarium setup for this species would include relatively shallow water with plenty of driftwood or other structure emerging above the waters surface giving them space to climb and form territories. Being a primarily coastal species, they will do best in moderate to strong brackish water (salinity of 10-20ppt).