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[sitting-on-me-bum]

Two mudskippers (Boleophthalmus caeruleomaculatus) fighting in shallow waters. The unusual fish is helping scientists understand more about how human ancestors transitioned to life on land from water millions of years ago. Mudskippers are thought to be the only fish that can blink

Photograph: Daniel J Field/PA

[fishoftheday]

Fish of the Day #8

the blue-spotted mudskipper (Boleophthalmus caeruleomaculatus) !

the blue-spotted mudskipper is a species of mudskipper native to Australia. mud skippers are aptly named for their ability to travel and survive on land (although, it’s more of a water-dirt mixture aka mud).this particular species is from the genus boleophthalmus which are known to live throughout the pacific and indian oceans. 

this species is distinguishable because of its blue spots, but it can be confused with the great blue-spotted mudskipper, which inhabits the same areas. mudskippers can breathe through their skin, and while they can breathe air they must be somewhat wet to do so. this adaptation is similar to amphibians, and they are also similar in the way that their eyes are towards the top of their head. 

image sources: 1, 2