Periophthalmodon schlosseri (Pallas, 1770)

Common Name & Native Range

Periophthalmodon schlosseri, commonly known as the giant mudskipper, is a species of mudskipper native to tropical shores of the eastern Indian Ocean and western Pacific Ocean.

Habitat Types

It occurs in marine, brackish, and fresh waters, and is most often found along muddy estuary shores and river tidal zones.

Burrow Characteristics

The species constructs burrows in the higher ground of the intertidal zone; these burrows typically hold both water and air.

Activity Patterns

During warmer seasons, giant mudskippers are usually active outside their burrows when the tide is low.

Air-Breathing Adaptation

This species is an obligate air-breather, and can drown if it does not have sufficient access to air, so it spends most of its life on land.

Distinguishing Size Trait

As its common name suggests, the giant mudskipper is set apart from other mudskipper species by its larger size.

Size Records

Males have been recorded reaching a maximum total length of 27.5 cm (10.8 in), while females can grow up to 28.5 cm (11.2 in) in total length.

Coloration

The species is typically yellow or greenish-brown with light blue speckles along its sides, but when disturbed or agitated, it displays a bold, solid black horizontal stripe that runs from its eye all the way to its caudal peduncle.

Commercial Fisheries Relevance

The giant mudskipper has minor importance to local commercial fisheries.

Human Uses

In addition to being sold at high prices as food, this and other mudskipper species are also used in traditional medicine in Malaysia and parts of India.

Geographical Distribution

The giant mudskipper inhabits intertidal mudflats and mangroves in Eastern India, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

Mangrove Association

While it is more commonly found in areas near mangroves, it can sometimes also live on mudflats with no nearby mangroves.

Spawning Periods

Spawning for the giant mudskipper usually happens twice each year: first from June to July, and a second time from October to November.

Spawning Schedule Driver

This spawning schedule is linked to the monsoon season, which runs from April to October and provides the species with abundant access to food.

Mating System

Giant mudskippers are a monogamous species.

Male Burrow Courtship Function

Besides using burrows for protection and rest, males dig burrows to attract a single female.

Egg Laying Location

After mating, females lay eggs on the roof or walls of the burrow.

Burrow Water Oxygen Levels

The water held in these burrows is severely hypoxic, which makes it unsuitable for embryonic development.

Burrow Oxygenation Behavior

To supply oxygen to the developing brood, males continuously refresh the air inside the burrow during low tide: they fill their mouths with air and release it into the burrow.

Parental Care

Once a female has laid her eggs, she is driven out of the burrow, and the male acts as the sole caretaker for the brood.

Post-Expulsion Female Behavior

The expelled female usually stays near the water's edge after leaving the burrow.