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Animal profile

Atlantic Mudskipper

Periophthalmus barbarus

ActinopterygiiIntertidal mudflats, mangrove swamps and estuariesLeast Concern

Field profile

The Atlantic mudskipper is an amphibious goby that spends much of its life out of water on exposed mud and mangrove roots. Its bulging eyes and muscular pectoral fins let it watch for predators and move across land with unusual agility for a fish.

Scope note

This is an editorial profile, not a diagnostic field-identification guide or a substitute for current conservation assessments. Follow the cited sources on each fact for the evidence trail.

Published field notes

2026-09-08

Atlantic Mudskipper

This fish breathes through its skin on land

Atlantic mudskippers spend most of their active hours out of water, absorbing oxygen through their skin and mouth lining rather than relying only on gills, a trait called cutaneous respiration.

Read with evidence →

Atlantic Mudskipper | Daily Animal Facts