Graceful Mudskipper (Periophthalmus gracilis) is an advanced-level freshwater fish that needs at least 20 gallons and 76-84°F. A fish that leaves the water and hops across mud. It needs a paludarium: shallow brackish water, a large mud or sand land area, warm humid air and a very tight lid. It is not a fish for an ordinary tank.
Care facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Periophthalmus gracilis |
|---|---|
| Family | Gobiidae |
| Origin | Mangrove mudflats of Southeast Asia |
| Adult size | 3-5 in |
| Minimum tank | 20 gallons |
| Temperature | 76-84°F |
| pH | 7.5-8.5 |
| Temperament | Territorial toward other mudskippers |
| Social behavior | One, or a small group in a large paludarium |
| Swim level | Land and shallow water |
| Difficulty | Advanced |
| Diet | Carnivore: live and frozen insects, bloodworms, small shrimp |
| Typical lifespan | 3-5 years |
Quick tips
- At least half the setup must be damp land they can climb onto.
- Use brackish water and keep the air warm and humid.
- Offer live or frozen foods on land; they will not eat dry flake in the water.
San Diego water
Naturally suited to San Diego's hard, alkaline tap water once it is dechlorinated (the city uses chloramine, so use a conditioner that handles it). Learn the numbers in our San Diego tap water guide.
Before you buy
Make sure your tank is cycled (how to cycle a tank), check your numbers with the water testing guide, and use the compatibility guide to check tankmates. These are general ranges; individual fish and local water vary.
Find it at Pet Zone
Pet Zone Tropical Fish is a San Diego aquarium store with two locations. Stock changes daily, so call ahead if you are after a specific species or plant. Shop online at petzonesd.com.
4160 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 987-0309
Open daily, 10am-6pm
Aquascaping, planted tanks
4266 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105
(619) 283-1812
Closed Monday; Tue-Fri 10:30am-6pm, Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm
Monster fish, koi