Saturday 3 January 2009

The Australian Mudskipper




 
 
 
 
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Mudskipper
From: The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition | Date: 2008 | Copyright information
mudskipper name for several fishes of the genus Periophthalmus, of the goby family, found in coastal waters of the Indian and Pacific oceans. They live chiefly on mud flats and in brackish mangrove swamps and are adapted for remaining on dry land when the tide goes out. They have no special air-breathing organs, but absorb oxygen through the skin and gill chambers as long as these remain moist. When out of water, mudskippers use the fleshy bases of their pectoral fins for propulsion on the ground, and members of the larger species can skip faster than a person can move. The mudskipper's diet includes insects and small fish. About 8 in. (20 cm) long, it is olive brown, often with bluish markings. Its protruding, mobile eyes give it a froglike appearance.
My eldest daughter took these photos when we were in Australia this summer. She is my Dutch daughter

Camera Critters is hosted by Misty Dawn. Thank you so much Misty Dawn.We all enjoy seeing and talking about animals. All creatures great and small give us much pleasure.If you want to see more Camera Critters click on the logo in the side bar


34 comments:

Nikki - Notes of Life said...

I don't think I've ever seen one of those before and I nearly didn't see it in the 1st photo! Very informative, thanks :)

Pat - Arkansas said...

What a fascinating creature! Thanks for the photos, Wil!

??? said...

They are such weird critters. Great photos :)

Gigi Ann said...

Oh! how interesting. I do believe I was watching a nature show some years ago where they showed the Mudskipper. It was a long time ago. Thanks for the information.

Brenda said...

Good photos and interesting story Wil. I clicked on your daughters blog and enjoyed her pictures. Just curious if those were her drawings.

Rose said...

Wonderful captures.

Anonymous said...

I've never seen one of those before.

I played too :)

NoBS said...

He's kinda cute!

Maria said...

What a cute little fellow! Nice shots!

SaraG said...

Great post and pictures!
Thanks for sharing.
Take care

Tootie said...

Very interesting photos and info about mudskippers; something I have never seen.

Your Skywatch photos are very nice too.

ChrissyM said...

Very interesting!! Great photos!

Grammy said...

I know we had mud dogs or puppy's. they turned into land critters. They were like a frog. I think they were a diffrent color. But this is 1990 I am trying to remember. Any way they are great photos.

Anonymous said...

They are the fishes I am scared the most of! :D

Patty said...

Almost looks like a tadpole.

Unknown said...

I remember seeing those when I was in Australia. Really cool critters.

BTW ... love those photos on you sidebar. Beautiful..

kayleen said...

interesting critters...glad for the info too...

Mimi said...

He looks kinda creepy! Great shots though.

I hope 2009 is your best year ever!

Carletta said...

Excellent shots!
Wonderful info to help us understand what this little guy really is.
Looks like an undeveloped frog almost.

Jane Hards Photography said...

Only ever heard of these ever seen. Always good to have the unusual.

Michele said...

Yeh, they do look like a gigantic tadpole... neat post, very nice photos....
I always know that I'm going to learn something interesting when I come here!!

Oh, and thanks so much for the kind comment on my other blog, it means a lot.
~Michele~

i beati said...

interesting distancing shots Sandy

Misty DawnS said...

What a neat critter and great photos of it! I love this post, my friend!

Maria said...

ReaderWil, haha, my trees, my pin-up trees...
Well, I thought that the trees were posing like pin-up girl, and I thought that this was sort of funny, because NOBODY noticed...
Hm, hehe... :P
Maybe i should have labelled the picture as "Sexy trees"?

Anonymous said...

Hey Wil, very cool critter! Thanks for sharing all the info and super captures of this guy (or gal).

Cloudia said...

Intersting skipper!
And the kittys & puppy on your "side bar" are TOO cute!!
AWWWWWWWW- Aloha

Lilli & Nevada said...

Now that is one ugly critter

Dirkjogt said...

Een vis die over de grondkruipt, knap zeg!

Anonymous said...

Looks downright prehistoric!

Smart Mouth Broad said...

Mudskippers are a new one for me. Thanks for this very interesting post. I've added your daughter's blog to my reader. My daughter's both have blogs too but I don't mention them because they prefer to remain anonymous and I've posted their pictures and way too much info on my site. Daughter #1 is a teacher and I have referred her to your site as you give the great, interesting and educational info. Thanks for sharing.

Ice Pony Girl said...

Totally kewl!

Janice Thomson said...

Interesting info and neat photos of this fish that I've heard about but never seen. Great post Wil.

Gretchen said...

That's an interesting looking critter. Never saw one before.

AppleDebbie said...

What an unusual looking creature. I always learn something new from your posts. Thank you for sharing!