Periophthalmus sobrinus Eggert

Family: Gobiidae

Mudskippers are semi-terrestrial fish that have a strong presence in mangroves, building mud towers around their burrows..

Zone: Common in the seaward edge of the mangroves, extending into the mangroves only where it is inundated daily.

Habitat: Muddy areas, can be seen climbing mangrove roots.

Food: Small invertebrates (see photo above) and fish larvae (Richmond, 1997).

Ecological notes: Mudskippers get their name because they are often seen skipping around on the mud surface. They have strong pectoral fins which are well designed for mobility out of water. They are amphibious and can survive long periods out of water (Richmond, 1997).

Distinguishing characteristics: To 14 cm length. Blunt snout; dark brown body; dorsal fins with white margin and black band below (Richmond, 1997).

Geographical range: West Indian Ocean, Red Sea (Richmond, 1997).

References:

Richmond, M.D., 1997. A guide to the Seashores of Eastern Africa and the Western Indian Ocean Islands. Sida / Department for Research Cooperation, SAREC. Zanzibar, Tanzania. 448 pp.

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