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The Amazing Climbing, Tree-Walking Fish: An Enigmatic but Very Real Wonder.

19 May, 2025

The Incredible Walking Fish: An Unlikely Tale

Imagine venturing into the mangrove forests of Can Gio or Go Cong in southern Vietnam, and witnessing a surreal sight: tiny fish with protruding eyes, scurrying on land and even climbing up the roots of mangrove trees like lizards.

Meet the mudskipper, an extraordinary member of the goby family, predominantly found in the brackish swamps and mangrove forests along the coastal regions of southern and southwestern Vietnam.

Unlike most fish, mudskippers possess the unique ability to survive out of water for extended periods thanks to their moist, oxygen-absorbing skin and their capacity for cutaneous breathing, aided by accessory lungs. Their front fins, resembling arms, enable them to jump short distances, crawl, and cling to trees and roots in search of food or to court potential mates.

Mudskippers – the fish that walks on land, often spotted on mudflats during low tide.

A Masterpiece of Natural Evolution

It’s no wonder that mudskippers are regarded by researchers as a ‘link’ between aquatic and amphibious life. Their ability to breathe through their skin and accessory lungs allows them to endure hours out of water with ease. This is a vivid illustration of evolution, showcasing how this fish species has perfectly adapted to the harsh conditions of brackish swamps and mudflats.

With their ability to tolerate dry conditions and self-regulate gas exchange, mudskippers often emerge during low tides, basking in the mud under the scorching sun to guard their territories.

Each mudskipper typically digs a meter-long burrow to reside in – a complex structure featuring entrances, exits, and even water reservoirs for drought conditions. Biologists consider this ‘architecture’ a naturally intelligent design by the fish.

Social Behavior and the “Dance” of Courtship

Mudskippers exhibit distinct communication and territorial defense behaviors. Male mudskippers usually claim a specific area, and when confronted by an intruder, they erect their dorsal fins, arch their bodies, and rush forward in a threatening manner.

During the breeding season, you may witness their captivating “love dance”: the male leaps high, flaunting and undulating his fins to attract a female – not unlike the “mate competition” seen in higher vertebrates.

With their fin-like arms, mudskippers can climb mangrove roots to find food or attract mates.

From Local Delicacy to Symbol of Mangrove Ecology

Beyond their unique biological significance, mudskippers are also a beloved ingredient in southwestern Vietnam’s cuisine. Local specialties such as spicy stewed mudskipper, grilled mudskipper with salt and chili, or sour soup capture the rustic charm of the region’s culinary traditions.

However, their importance extends further. Mudskippers play a crucial role in the mangrove ecosystem, contributing to soil aeration, nutrient transport across ecological layers, and serving as a vital food source for numerous bird and mammal species.

Not only are they a delicacy in dishes like grilled mudskipper with salt and chili or spicy stewed mudskipper, but they also hold immense value in the mangrove ecosystem. By burrowing and constantly moving through the mud, they aerate the soil and facilitate nutrient transport, creating favorable conditions for other species to thrive. Protecting and preserving the mudskipper’s habitat translates to safeguarding a vital component of the coastal ecological structure – often referred to as the ‘green lungs’ that safeguard the coastline from erosion and climate change.

Conclusion: Small Yet Majestic

The mudskipper, with its quirky appearance and unusual behavior, stands as a testament to the wonders of nature, defying conventional boundaries.

This fish that crawls, climbs trees, and breathes through its skin and accessory lungs, is a living legend in the muddy shores of Vietnam, deserving of our admiration, protection, and respect.