Pearse's Mudskipper (Periophthalmus novemradiatus)

Pearse's Mudskipper Periophthalmus novemradiatus
Name	Pearse's Mudskipper
Name Lat.	Periophthalmus novemradiatus
Family	Mudskippers
Family lat.	Oxudercidae
Order	Gobies
Order lat.	Gobiiformes
Origin	Southeast Asia
Habitat	Estuaries, mangrove swamps
Diet	Carnivore
pH	7.5-8.5
Behavior	Semi-aggressive
Keeping	Pair, group
Care Level	Experts only
Reproduction	Cave spawner
Breeding	None reported
Life Span	N/A
Protection	No
Metric Units
Size	7-10 cm
Temperature	25-30 °C
Hardness	10-25 °dH
Aquarium	160 l
US Units
Size	2.8"-4"
Temperature	77-86 °F
Hardness	178-445 ppm
Aquarium	40 gal

Distribution and habitat

Small mudskippers are amphibious brackish water fishes widely distributed along the coasts of India, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia and northern Indonesia, and the Philippines. They live in the intertidal zone of river mouths (estuaries) and mangrove swamps, where they reside in the transitional zone between water and land

Maintenance

They require a brackish water aquarium with a water depth of 5-10 cm and a terrestrial part covering approx. ⅔ of the bottom surface, as they spend most of their time on land, with sufficient perching areas, such as stones and roots outside the water and a soft, graveable substrate of sand (coral sand) or fine gravel. Java fern (Microsorium pteropus) and living mangroves (e.g. Rhizophora stylosa or Rhizophora mangle) are suitable for planting, which also serves as a visual screen. The salinity of the brackish water should be about 15 ‰ (4-5 tablespoons of sea salt mixture to 10 l of water)

To ensure water quality, a filter and heater adapted to the water volume is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.

Diet

In the wild they feed on small insects, crustaceans and other mollusks. The food supply consists of live or frozen Tubifex, mosquito larvae, shrimps, mysis etc., also flies, house crickets or crickets are eaten with pleasure. After habituation, protein-rich dry food is usually also accepted, but should not be the main component of the diet. Feeding can be done in the water or on land

Only as much should be fed as is eaten immediately (in a maximum of 10 minutes). Regular and varied feeding promotes health and increases resistance

Behaviour and compatibility

They are sociable fish, which should be kept in pairs or better in a group of 6-8 animals. In tanks that are too small, territorial disputes can occur, so at least 10 cm edge length should be calculated per animal. It is recommended to keep them in a species tank. Only in a large aquaterrarium they can be socialized with brackish water fish. They are predatory and fish that are too small are considered prey

Sex dimorphism

The enlarged first dorsal fin of males often has an elongated 1st fin ray and is red in color, especially during mating season. With some experience the sexes can also be distinguished by their genital papilla, which is slender and pointed in the male and round and short in the female.

Reproduction and breeding

There are no known reports of successful breeding in the aquarium. In nature they dig burrows with two exits, where mating (internal fertilization) and brood care takes place

Important

During their stays on land, fish breathe atmospheric air through gills, since they do not have lungs. The gills contain special water-filled gill sacks, which are permeated by folded membranes with a good blood supply and allow oxygen supply

Their retractable eyes protrude, similar to frogs, giving them a 360° view. Below the eyes is a pocket of skin that stores fluid that prevents the eyes from drying out on land. Air and water temperatures should be equal.

With their pectoral fins reinforced like arms at the base, which act like a kind of suction cup, they can move around hopping and even climb up smooth, steep surfaces. Accordingly, the aquarium should always be well covered to prevent escape.

The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even if the contaminant level has not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.

Further literature can be found in your pet store.

References

Text: Werner Winter; Image: petdata

Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2004): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch

• Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF