The mudskipper is primarily found in shallow seas and near estuaries, where it thrives in warm, brackish waters. Known for its high nutritional value, this unique fish has earned the nickname "water ginseng" and has long been a prized commodity in regions such as Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and Japan. In recent years, coastal provinces like Zhejiang and Fujian have started artificial breeding programs, although large-scale farming is still limited. A significant breakthrough occurred in March 2005 when an accidental event led to successful breeding of the walking fish in Yuexi County, Ninghai County, Zhejiang Province.
Mudskippers are a group of small, shore-dwelling fish belonging to the family Eleotridae. Commonly referred to as jumping fish, shellfish, or mudskippers, they are found along the western coast of Africa, India, the Pacific, and tropical and subtropical shallow waters. However, they are not present in Meizhou. China's coastal areas are home to six major species, with four genera found along the Zhejiang coast, including the mudskipper, big mudskipper, green mudskipper, and big green mudskipper. These fish are highly valued for their delicious taste, short food chain, low cultivation costs, and resistance to disease. Their ability to survive long-distance transport and their rich nutrient content make them popular in Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong, and beyond, with strong domestic and international demand.
The big-headed mudskipper (Boleophthalmus pectinirostris) has a distinctive appearance. It has a cylindrical body, a flat tail, and a broad dorsal and ventral margin. Its head is large and slightly flattened, with a short, blunt snout that is larger than its eyes. The eyes are positioned high on the head, close together, and protrude outward. The lower eyelid is separated, giving the eyes a narrow, vertical appearance. The mouth is large and sub-terminal, with the upper jaw extending beyond the eye. The teeth are arranged in a single row, with fine upper teeth and a few canines at the front. The tongue is large and free, while the lips are well-developed but not overly complex. The scales on the body and head are round, with smaller scales on the front and larger ones toward the back. There are no lateral lines, and the pectoral fin base is covered with fine scales.
The dorsal fins are two in number—first tall with elongated spines, and the second low with extended fin rays. The pectoral and pelvic fins are long and pointed, while the caudal fin is rounded. The coloration is typically brown on the back, pale on the belly, with the first dorsal fin featuring irregular white spots. The second dorsal fin is blue with four longitudinal white stripes, and the caudal fin is dark with occasional white dots.
In terms of habitat, mudskippers are highly adaptable. They use their pectoral and caudal fins to crawl or jump across wet surfaces, rocks, and even sand. They can breathe through their skin, gills, and tail, allowing them to stay out of water for extended periods as long as their bodies remain moist. They prefer warm, brackish environments, with optimal growth between 14°C and 30°C. Below 14°C, they tend to burrow into the mud.
Mudskippers create complex burrows in the mudflats, often with multiple entrances. These tunnels are usually Y- or U-shaped and vary in depth depending on the substrate. Soft mud allows for deeper burrows, sometimes reaching 50–70 cm. During breeding season, males and females may share a burrow, and some even construct special spawning chambers.
These fish feed mainly on benthic algae, tiny insects, and other microorganisms found on the mudflat surface. They move slowly, using their heads to dig and stir up the mud, similar to plowing. Unlike many other fish, they do not smear food, so artificial breeding often involves cultivating algae to support their growth.
Mudskippers reach sexual maturity at around 12–15 cm in length and 30–40 grams in weight. Breeding occurs from April to September, with peak activity between May and July. Females lay sticky, transparent eggs that adhere to objects, and fertilization happens internally. Under ideal conditions, larvae hatch after about 87 hours and grow rapidly, reaching 13 mm in one month. With proper care, they can reach commercial size within a year and live up to 3–5 years, though some individuals may live up to seven years.
For farming, suitable sites include saline or brackish tidal flats. Ponds should have a flat, muddy bottom and be equipped with central and ring ditches for sunbathing and temperature control. The pond area is typically around 10 mu, with a drainage system and sturdy embankments. Fertilizing the mud to promote benthic algae growth is essential for feeding the fish. A fence is also needed to prevent escape.
When selecting seedlings, it’s important to choose healthy, mature individuals. The most commonly farmed species in China include the mudskipper, big mudskipper, green mudskipper, and big green mudskipper. These species are well-suited for aquaculture due to their fast growth, disease resistance, and market demand. With proper management, mudskipper farming can be a profitable and sustainable option for coastal communities.
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