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Mudskippers
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| Photo Information |
Copyright: Subhash Ranjan (sranjan)
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 442 W: 57 N: 1376]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-g-g.gif) (3998) |
| Genre: Animals |
| Medium: Color |
| Date Taken: 2009-10-22 |
| Categories: Fish |
| Camera: Olympus Sp 510uz |
| Photo Version: Original Version |
| Date Submitted: 2009-10-23 6:33 |
| Viewed: 154 |
| Points: 16 |
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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
I found these incredible amphibious fishes in thousands close to our main land near New Mumbai. They were seen very active outside the water during low tide phase. They (5 of them in this frame + 1 with periscopic eyes only visible) can be seen here playing, jumping & having territorial fights. A burrow made by them is also seen.
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Mudskippers are members of the subfamily Oxudercinae (tribe Periophthalmini), within the family Gobiidae (Gobies). They are completely amphibious fish, fish that can use its pectoral fins to "walk" on land.
Being amphibious, they are uniquely adapted to intertidal habitats, unlike most fish in such habitats which survive the retreat of the tide by hiding under wet seaweed or in tidal pools. Mudskippers are quite active when out of water, feeding and interacting with one another, for example to defend their territories.
They are found in tropical, subtropical and temperate regions, including the Indo-Pacific and the Atlantic coast of Africa.
Anatomical and behavioural adaptations that allow them to move effectively on land as well as in the water. As their name implies these fish use their fins to move around in a series of skips. They can also flip their muscular body to catapult themselves up to 60 cm into the air.
The ability to breathe through their skin and the lining of their mouth (the mucosa) and throat (the pharynx). This is only possible when the mudskipper is wet, limiting mudskippers to humid habitats and requiring that they keep themselves moist. This mode of breathing, similar to that employed by amphibians, is known as cutaneous air breathing. Another important adaptation that aids breathing while out of water are their enlarged gill chambers, where they retain a bubble of air. These large gill chambers close tightly when the fish is above water, keeping the gills moist, and allowing them to function. They act like a scuba diver's cylinders, and supply oxygen for respiration also while on land.
Digging of deep burrows in soft sediments that allow the fish to thermoregulate; avoid marine predators during the high tide when the fish and burrow are submerged; and for laying their eggs.
Source: wikipedia |
meyerd, Argus, boreocypriensis, eqshannon, tuslaw, goutham_ramesh, goldyrs, oanaotilia, oscarromulus has marked this note useful
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- meyerd
(5316)
- [2009-10-23 7:34]
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Hi Subhash,
great, these mudskippers. They make us think: how did it go, the transition from purely water bound Fishes to the first Amphibians, zzillion years ago?
Thanks for this unusual and refreshing look at the intertidal!
Best regards
Dietrich
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- Argus
(34871)
- [2009-10-23 7:51]
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Hello Subhash,
A great opportunity, well taken!
Nice capture of three Mudskippers and well timed this, the 200th anniversary of Darwin's birth. This group of animals must have fascinated him in his thoughts on evolution and the origin of species!
This is a fine contribution to TN and TFS!
Hvae a good weekend,
Ivan
Hi and Good Morning MF Subhash,
Awesome capture of these amphibious fishes in their natural environment.
The details, POV/DOF and composition are excellent. Notes are great too!
TFS and have a nice WE!
Cheers,
Bayram
I believe this is a first for TN Dr....I could be wrong and somebody correct me if so..but I have never seen NOR heard of these....a fine example!
Bob
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- tuslaw
![Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 500 W: 20 N: 1380]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-s-g.gif)
(4825) - [2009-10-25 19:56]
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Super capture Subhash!!
I can't remember ever seeing this particular fish before, what an unusual sight!! Wonderful detail with very natural coloration. Well done!!
Ron
Hmm, i have seen a documentary on these things at Suderbans! you have done well to show both habitats of these amazing creatures and this picture is of a good recording value!
TFS
gouthamramesh.com
I've seen these in the Sundarbans, Ranjan, not anywhere else..
A lovely shot!
Goldy
Hy Subhash
A species indeed incredible and I think taht I saw for the first time here. There are not many staying in the mud to photograph this fishes. Well camouflated in in the mud/water. TFS!
Kind regards, Oana
"DEAR" friend, Dr. Subhash Ranjan,
This is a MOST unique posting.
Loved the notes.
Wish I was back in India as a child; I used to play with this species in Goa.
GREAT PIECE OF "NATURE" PHOTOGRAPHY.
M.
