Fin's Fish Guide
The New Guinea mudskipper (Periophthalmus novaeguineaensis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 8 cm.
Description
The New Guinea mudskipper is a mudskipper (Oxudercidae) from tidal and mangrove areas of the mangroves of New Guinea. The species grows to about 8 cm and has an elongate, brown-grey body with high-set, bulging eyes. At low tide it crawls and skips over the exposed mud with its muscular pectoral fins, breathes air through skin and gill cavity and hunts small crustaceans, insects and worms. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the New Guinea mudskipper?
The New Guinea mudskipper has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly brown.
Where does the New Guinea mudskipper live?
The New Guinea mudskipper lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: Australia, Indonesia
How big does the New Guinea mudskipper get?
The New Guinea mudskipper grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.
Is the New Guinea mudskipper dangerous to humans?
No, the New Guinea mudskipper is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the New Guinea mudskipper?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the New Guinea mudskipper is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Periophthalmus
More from the family Gobiidae
Want the complete picture on the New Guinea mudskipper?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the New Guinea mudskipper is one of 12,519 species in the app.