Indian Dwarf Mudskipper (Periophthalmus novemradiatus)

The Indian Dwarf Mudskipper is a fascinating member of the family Gobiidae which like all mudskippers are specially adapted for life outside of the water. Found throughout coastal India and Bangladesh, this species inhabits mangrove swamps and 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. The Indian Dwarf Mudskipper is a primarily coastal species which will do best in moderate to strong brackish water (salinity of 10-20ppt) and should be kept in groups.