![]() ![]() It has also been found to play a crucial role in the development of the eggs within the burrow. The way the males dig these burrows has been found to be directly linked to their ability to survive submerged in almost anoxic water. These burrows are most often characterised by their smooth and vaulted ceilings. Mudskippers typically live in burrows in intertidal habitats, and exhibit unique adaptations to this environment that are not found in most intertidal fishes, which typically survive the retreat of the tide by hiding under wet seaweed or in tide pools. However, field observations of Zappa confluentus suggest that this monotypic genus should be included in the definition. This would define the species of the genera Boleophthalmus, Periophthalmodon, Periophthalmus, and Scartelaos as "mudskippers". Mudskippers can be defined as oxudercine gobies that are "fully terrestrial for some portion of the daily cycle" (character 24 in Murdy, 1989 ). Recent molecular studies do not support this classification, as oxudercine gobies appear to be paraphyletic relative to amblyopine gobies (Gobiidae: Amblyopinae), thus being included in a distinct " Periophthalmus lineage", together with amblyopines. Oxudercinae is sometimes classified within the family Gobiidae ( gobies). Because of these fins, mudskippers have also been found to be able to leap distances of up to two feet. Although having the typical appearance of any other fish, these forward fins allow the mudskipper to “skip” across muddy surfaces and even give them the ability to climb trees and low branches. These fins function similarly to legs in that they allow the mudskipper to move from place to place. Their most noticeable feature however is their side pectoral fins that are located more forward and under their elongated body. ![]() A mudskipper's eyes protrude from the tops of its flat head. During mating season the males will also develop brightly coloured spots in order to attract females. ![]() They can grow up to 30 centimetres (12 in) long and most are a brownish green colour that range anywhere from dark to light. They are known for their unusual appearance and their ability to survive both in and out of water. There are 23 living species of mudskipper. They are of the family Oxudercidae and the subfamily Oxudercinae. Periophthalmus barbarus mudskippers in The Gambia ![]()
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