Shuttles Hoppfish (Periophthalmus modestus) Care Guide
Periophthalmus modestus is a small East Asian mudskipper of temperate estuaries, kept in cooler brackish paludariums with a land area.
Overview
Periophthalmus modestus, the Shuttles Hoppfish, is a small mudskipper from temperate East Asian estuaries. It reaches about 10 cm total length and is notable for tolerating air exposure for extended periods as long as it is kept moist.
Taxonomy
- Family: Oxudercidae
- Genus: Periophthalmus
- Scientific name: Periophthalmus modestus
- Described by Cantor, 1842
Habitat
It is native to fresh, marine and brackish waters of the western Pacific from Vietnam to Korea and Japan, and is also recorded from Hong Kong, Taiwan and Southeast Asia. It inhabits muddy estuaries, tidal flats, swamps and marshes, often in mangrove wetlands.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L (about 21 gal) paludarium with land area
- Temperature: 18-26 °C (64-79 °F)
- pH: 7.5-8.5
- GH: 15-30 °dGH
- Lifespan: 4-7 years
Compatibility
A top-dwelling, semi-aggressive amphibious fish best kept with other mudskippers. Fully submerged community fish are unsuitable, since this species spends much time out of water.
Notes
The species is found in the aquarium trade and is also used in traditional Chinese medicine. Its tolerance of temperate conditions suits cooler brackish paludariums than tropical mudskippers.