The Atlantic Mudskipper (Periophthalmus barbarus) is a fascinating and hardy fish species that can be found in coastal areas of West Africa, particularly in estuaries and mudflats. Known for their remarkable ability to move on land, mudskippers are an ideal choice for aquarists looking for a unique, semi-terrestrial aquarium species.
Here's a detailed care guide and description for the Atlantic Mudskipper:
Description
- Size: Adult Atlantic Mudskippers can grow up to 5–6 inches (12–15 cm) in length, with males often being slightly larger than females.
- Appearance: They have an elongated body with a flattened, somewhat oval shape. Their coloration varies from gray to brownish with darker markings, which helps them blend into their natural mudflat environments. They possess large, bulging eyes that are set on top of their heads, giving them a unique, almost amphibious appearance. Their pelvic fins are adapted into "legs," which they use to move on land, and they have a flattened tail that helps them swim in water.
- Behavior: Mudskippers are very active and can be seen hopping, walking, or crawling on land. They are known for their ability to use their pectoral fins to “walk” on mudflats, a unique trait that distinguishes them from most fish. On land, they are often seen breathing air through specialized structures and keeping moist by returning to water when needed. They are also territorial and may display aggressive behavior toward other mudskippers.
Care Requirements
1. Tank Setup
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Size: A minimum tank size of 30–40 gallons (113–150 liters) is recommended for a pair of Atlantic Mudskippers. The tank needs both land and water areas to replicate their natural habitat. A larger tank is ideal if you plan to keep multiple mudskippers.
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Aquarium Type: A brackish water setup is required, mimicking the mudflats and estuaries where mudskippers live.
- Water Depth: The water should only cover part of the tank, with the rest consisting of land or mud areas where the mudskippers can emerge. Typically, the water should be about 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) deep, leaving enough space for them to access the land portion of the tank.
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Water Conditions:
- Temperature: Keep the water temperature between 75°F and 82°F (24°C to 28°C).
- pH: The pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.5–7.5.
- Salinity: Mudskippers require brackish water, with a specific gravity of 1.010–1.015. Using marine salt is crucial to maintain proper salinity.
- Filtration: The water should be clean and well-filtered, though mudskippers do not need high flow rates. A sponge filter is ideal because it provides gentle filtration.
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Land Area: The land area is essential for the mudskippers to "walk" and breathe air. A platform made from smooth rocks, sand, or soil can serve as the land portion of the tank. It should be large enough for them to move and hide comfortably.
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Substrate: Use a muddy or sandy substrate that can retain moisture. You can combine sand and mud to provide them with a suitable environment where they can burrow and move around on land.
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Tank Decorations: Include rocks, driftwood, and plants to provide hiding places and territory for each mudskipper. They may use these to rest or as shelters from other tankmates.
2. Diet
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Omnivorous Diet: Mudskippers are omnivorous and will eat a variety of foods, including:
- Live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, or earthworms.
- Pellets: High-quality sinking pellets designed for omnivores.
- Vegetation: They may graze on algae, spirulina, or blanched vegetables like spinach or zucchini.
- Small invertebrates: Mudskippers will also hunt for small invertebrates in their habitat, such as snails or small crustaceans.
3. Tankmates
- Peaceful Species: Atlantic Mudskippers are relatively peaceful, but they can be territorial, especially when they feel overcrowded. It's best to keep them in pairs or small groups in a sufficiently large tank.
- Avoid Aggressive Fish: Do not keep them with large or aggressive fish that may outcompete them for food or stress them out.
- Suitable Tankmates: Small, non-aggressive species such as mollies, guppies, and certain types of tetras may work well as tankmates. Avoid species that like to swim too quickly in the same area as mudskippers.
4. Water Maintenance
- Regular Water Changes: Due to their brackish water needs, regular water changes of 10–20% per week are necessary to maintain good water quality. Ensure that the salinity is maintained at appropriate levels.
- Water Quality: Always check the salinity, temperature, and pH regularly, as these conditions are crucial for the mudskipper’s health. A gentle sponge filter will help maintain clean water without disturbing the fish.
5. Behavior and Socialization
- Territorial Nature: Mudskippers are territorial and may become aggressive toward one another, especially in small spaces. It’s recommended to house only one male per tank or a small group in a large tank with plenty of hiding spots.
- Active and Curious: They are active and curious animals, frequently hopping on land and using their pectoral fins to walk or crawl. Providing them with a naturalistic setup with plenty of land and water areas will encourage natural behaviors and make the tank more exciting to observe.
Common Health Issues
- Skin Issues: Mudskippers can sometimes develop skin problems due to poor water quality. Ensure that the tank is clean and that the water conditions are stable.
- Ich (White Spot Disease): As with most fish, mudskippers can become susceptible to parasites like Ich if stressed or in poor water conditions. Ensure the tank has proper filtration, stable temperature, and clean water to reduce the chances of disease outbreaks.
- Air Exposure: Mudskippers need to stay moist and return to the water periodically. If they are kept on land for too long without access to water, they can become dehydrated or stressed.
Conclusion
The Atlantic Mudskipper is an extraordinary species that offers a dynamic and interactive aquarium experience. With their ability to live both in the water and on land, they require a specialized brackish setup with both terrestrial and aquatic environments. With the proper care—appropriate tank size, water salinity, diet, and tankmates—mudskippers can thrive and become an engaging addition to your aquarium. Be sure to create a habitat that mimics their natural environment to keep them healthy and happy