Scartelaos Mudskipper

Scartelaos histophorus is a distinctive mudskipper distributed from the Persian Gulf through the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia to China and Japan, inhabiting soft intertidal mudflats and mangrove margins. Unlike the stocky Periophthalmus, Scartelaos has a more elongated, slender body that gives it a serpentine appearance when moving across mud. The colouration is a subtle grey-brown with faint dark banding and iridescent blue-green speckles on the flanks and fins. The large, mobile eyes — typical of all mudskippers — swivel independently and provide excellent all-round vision on the mudflat. This species is less aggressive than most Periophthalmus and is more willing to coexist with conspecifics in a well-structured paludarium, though territorial displays still occur. It is an active, curious animal that quickly becomes tame in captivity, making it one of the more rewarding mudskippers to keep.

Water: 23–30 °C, pH 7.5–8.5, GH 10–25, KH 5–15; low to moderate brackish (SG 1.003–1.012); muddy substrate. Tank: 120 L minimum paludarium; large soft-mud land area; mangrove propagules or roots for cover and climbing. Feeding: Carnivore; small insects, worms, freeze-dried or frozen invertebrates; feeds readily on land and at water's edge. Breeding: Mud-burrow spawner; rarely bred in captivity; requires specific tidal cycle stimulation. Compatibility: Moderately territorial; can coexist in groups with adequate space; avoids conflict more than Periophthalmus.