The Giant Mudskipper (Periophthalmodon schlosseri) is a species of mudskipper native to the tropical shores of the eastern Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean where it occurs in marine, brackish and fresh waters. It is most frequently found along muddy shores in estuaries as well as in the tidal zones of rivers. It lives in a burrow in the mud, which it digs with its mouth. It emerges from the burrow at low tide on sunny days. It can move quickly across a muddy surface and is capable of breathing both in and out of water. When underwater, the mudskipper uses its gills, and on land, it breathes through its moist skin. It keeps its skin and eyes moist by soaking in mud. A mudskipper can see better when not underwater, and therefore keep its eyes above water as it swims. It climbs tree roots to get insects, hence mudskippers sometimes being called "tree climbers". A giant mudskipper can grow to a length of 27 centimetres (11 in) TL.
Advertisement