Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Atlantic Mudskipper

Periophthalmus barbarus

Also called West African mudskipper, Periophthalmus koelreuteri (older name), Periophthalmus papilio (older name)

SpeciesShort profile

From Tropical West Africa, from Senegal or Mauritania south to Angola including offshore islands, on muddy tidal flats, lagoons and mangrove swamps1 2 3

At a glance the quick version

Length15 to 25 cm1 2 3

Lifespan5 to 15 years3

Sizesmall

A fish that walks, skips and climbs out of water

Frog-like face with eyes that see all round

Endlessly entertaining to watch

2 3

Looks how to spot one

Amphibious goby

A stocky goby with a large head and bulging eyes set high on top, giving it a frog-like face. Its muscular pectoral fins work like little crutches on land, and its pelvic fins act as a sucker. The body is brownish grey, plain or sprinkled with small white spots.2 3

Coloursbrown to olive greysmall white or pale spots3

Personality what they are like

Bold, alert and territorial. Males in particular defend their patch with displays, and the species tends to be greedy and enthusiastic at feeding time.2 3

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Spends much of its time out of the water, hopping across mud and sand, climbing onto roots and basking. It needs both a land area and a water area to behave naturally.2 3 1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Keep warm and humid: about 25 to 30 C with brackish water around SG 1.005, pH 7.0 to 8.5 and hard water. A tight lid holds in humidity so the air stays as warm as the water, and a good filter handles its messy eating.2 1

Home where they are happiest

A paludarium-style tank of at least 120 x 30 x 30 cm (about 110 litres) for one fish, with exposed sandbanks or partly submerged bogwood so it can climb out of the water.2

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A carnivore that hunts crabs, insects and other small animals on the mud. Offer live worms, crickets, frozen bloodworm and brine shrimp; Seriously Fish advises against relying on dried food.1 3 2

Company who they like around

Usually kept as a single male, as they are territorial with their own kind; groups of five or more can work in very large setups. Can share with other brackish species such as archerfish or four-eyed fish but may eat small fish.2

The story where it all began

Linnaeus described the Atlantic mudskipper in 1766. It is the mudskipper of Africa's Atlantic coast, where it is also caught in small local fisheries, and it is available in the aquarium hobby as one of the best-known amphibious fish.1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
It keeps water in sealed gill chambers and also takes in oxygen through its skin, letting it breathe on land.3
2
It digs burrows that can reach about 1.5 metres deep, with trapped air pockets, for shelter and spawning.3
3
It builds low walls of mud around its territory.3
4
When feeding on land it uses a mouthful of water like a tongue to suck in prey.3
5
Its eyes sit high on the head and can swivel independently for an all-round view.2

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2019)1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for an Atlantic Mudskipper. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
Temperature checkevery day
Salinity checkBrackish fish need a little marine salt, and some need more as they growevery week
Water changeAbout 25% of the water, mixed to the same salinityevery week
Water testevery week
Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Atlantic Mudskipper?

Feed small amounts once or twice daily, as they are greedy eaters. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily feeding. Offer live foods like worms and crickets rather than dried food.2 3 1 Pet Wiki plan

What does an Atlantic Mudskipper eat, and what should it never eat?

They are carnivores that hunt crabs, insects, and small animals. Offer live worms, crickets, frozen bloodworm, and brine shrimp. Seriously Fish advises against relying on dried food, so avoid that as a staple.2 3 1

How much space does an Atlantic Mudskipper need?

A single fish needs a paludarium-style tank at least 120 cm long, 30 cm wide, and 30 cm tall (about 110 litres). This gives room for both water and exposed land areas like sandbanks or bogwood.2

What temperature, light or water does an Atlantic Mudskipper need?

Keep the water warm at 25 to 30°C, with brackish salinity around SG 1.005, pH 7.0 to 8.5, and hard water. A tight lid holds humidity, and Furry Diary's plan includes daily temperature checks and weekly salinity checks.2 1 Pet Wiki plan

How often should I clean an Atlantic Mudskipper's home?

Change about 25% of the water weekly, mixed to the same salinity. Rinse the filter in old tank water monthly. Their messy eating means good filtration is important. Pet Wiki plan

Can an Atlantic Mudskipper live with others?

They are territorial, especially males, so a single male is usually best. In very large setups, groups of five or more can work. They can share with other brackish species like archerfish but may eat small fish.2

How long does an Atlantic Mudskipper live?

With proper care, they can live between 5 and 15 years. Providing the right warm, brackish environment and a varied diet helps them thrive.3

Can I handle an Atlantic Mudskipper?

Handling is not recommended as they are bold and territorial, and their skin needs to stay moist. It is best to ask an exotic-pet vet or a good breeder for advice on safe interaction.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

Violet Goby

Banded Archerfish

Knight Goby

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

FishBase: Periophthalmus barbarus, Atlantic mudskipper fishbase.seused for size, environment, temperature, distribution, IUCN status, diet, describer
Seriously Fish: Periophthalmus barbarus seriouslyfish.comused for distribution, size, water parameters, tank setup, diet, compatibility
Wikipedia: Atlantic mudskipper en.wikipedia.orgused for size, lifespan, appearance, breathing, burrows, fun facts

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.