Timeline Photos

MEET OUR NATIVE WILDLIFE: BLUE- SPOTTED MUDSKIPPER

The blue- spotted mudskipper lives in coastal and estuarine areas. Their ideal habitat includes the brackish water of estuaries, which is often found in mangroves.

They are easily identified by rows of blue spots along their body, cheeks and dorsal fins. They also have dark bands on their body, and large, mobile eyes on top of their head that bulge out. This species of mudskipper is territorial. In the wild, it is common to see them fight. To show aggression, individuals raise their dorsal fins to defend their territories. With the help of their pectoral fin, they can walk on land.

To attract mates, males raise their dorsal fins and jump. This unique behaviour can be easily seen at low tide when they are exposed on the mudflats.

Question! Are mudskippers fish or amphibians?

The answer is that they are amphibious fishes that are capable of living on land for a period of time. Like most other fish, they breathe through their gills. On land, they store water in their large gill chambers, allowing them to breathe the same type of air that we breathe.

Want to see them in the wild? Visit our local mangroves to watch them in their natural habitat, and watch from a respectable distance!

#SingaporeWildlife

Source: https://www.facebook.com/ACRESasia/photos/a.223077136522.136..

Tweet

ACRES

ACRES (Animal Concerns Research & Education Society) is a pioneering Singapore-based charity and Institution of Public Character, founded by Singaporeans in 2001 with the aim of promoting animal welfare.

ACRES has six focus areas: Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation, Wildlife Crime Investigation, Zoo Animal Welfare, Humane Education, Community Outreach and Promoting Cruelty-Free Living.

More Articles   |   Website