Mudskipper

Periophthalmus barbarus

Mudskipper (Periophthalmus barbarus) — Advanced care, Aggressive, under Other. Minimum tank in the app: 40 US gal min; aim for 72–86°F and pH 7.5–8.5. Details below match the app.

Mudskipper (Periophthalmus barbarus) in a planted freshwater aquarium
Care levelAdvanced
TemperamentAggressive
Min tank size40 US gal min
pH range7.5–8.5
Temperature72–86°F
Max size5.9 in (15.0 cm)
Captive lifespan3–6 years
SchoolingNo

Captive lifespan reflects typical experience in a home aquarium, not maximum recorded age; genetics, sourcing, and care vary.

Natural distribution

Africa / Indo-Pacific

  • Africa
  • East & Southeast Asia

Regional colours match the stocking calculator’s origin map.

Mudskipper Tank Setup

Plan for at least 40 US gal min of water—that is the minimum in our database for a workable setup, not a challenge to crowd fish. Aim to hold 72–86°F and pH 7.5–8.5 without daily drama. These fish use the Bottom/land zone most, so put wood, plants, or open water there accordingly.

What Do Mudskippers Eat?

We record diet as Carnivore (live foods). Offer a few food types that match—dry, frozen, or gel—and swap now and then. One flake every day for a year is how dull color and gut trouble creep in.

Mudskipper Tank Mates

Temperament in the data: Aggressive. Flagged as a fin nipper, so long flowing fins and slow targets are a poor match. Treat small tank mates as potential snacks once the fish grows. Semi-terrestrial; requires paludarium with land and brackish water. Highly territorial; keep one per tank or large groups. Jumps and climbs. Plug your full stock list into the stocking calculator—single-species compatibility scores are hints, not a whole-tank verdict.

Are Mudskippers Good for Beginners?

Not where we would send a brand-new keeper. Get a few wins under your belt with hardier fish first.

Building a community? Run the full list through the stocking calculator before you add anything else.

Log tests and reminders in App-aquatic—free, same data you see here.