Atlantic mudskipper - Periophthalmus barbarus

Scientific name: Periophthalmus barbarus

Common name: Atlantic mudskipper

Family: Gobiidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 20 - 25 cm (7.87 - 9.84 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 8 - 8.5

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 12 - 20°N (214.29 - 357.14ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 25 - 30 °C (77 - 86°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Africa

Temperament to its own species: aggressive/territorial

Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive/territorial

Usual place in the tank: Top levels

Food and feeding

Atlantic mudskipper will accept all foods offered. Avoid feeding flakes or pellets to this fish. Live foods like crickets and worms are more beneficial. Brine shrimp and blood worms will also be accepted.

Origin

West Africa; Atlantic mudskipper is to be found on the coastal areas between Angola and Senegal.

Sexing

Males will have more colorful fins.

Breeding

Periophthalmus barbarus are no reported cases of this fish breeding in the aquarium, in the wild it will create mud burrows for breeding purposes.

Lifespan

The expected life span for Periophthalmus barbarus is 5-8 years.

Short description

Atlantic mudskippers spend a lot of time out of the water. In the aquarium this can be aided by adding a “beach” at one side where the substrate is above the water line. Always fit the tank with a lid as the atmosphere inside needs to be warm and humid. These fish will also try to climb out by sticking to the glass. The water level should not be too deep as they tire quickly when trying to climb onto land.

Pictures

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.