The mudskipper is primarily found in shallow coastal waters and near estuaries. Known for its high nutritional value, it has been called "water ginseng" and is highly sought after in Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and Japan. In recent years, artificial breeding has taken place in coastal cities like Zhejiang and Fujian, though large-scale production is still limited. In March 2005, a chance event led to the successful cultivation of this unique fish in Yuexi County, Ninghai County, Zhejiang Province.
Mudskippers are members of the Gobiidae family and are commonly known as jumping fish, shellfish, or mud sharks. They are small, warm-water fish that thrive in coastal areas from West Africa to the Pacific, including tropical and subtropical regions. However, they are not found in Meizhou. China's coastal waters are home to six major species, with four genera present along the Zhejiang coast, including the mudskipper, big mudskipper, green mudskipper, and big green mudskipper.
These fish are popular for their delicious taste, short food chain, low cultivation costs, and resistance to disease. Their meat is rich in nutrients and widely consumed in Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong, and Taiwan, making them a valuable commodity both domestically and internationally. The big mudskipper is one of the most commonly farmed species in eel-bearing aquaculture.
Morphologically, the big-headed mudskipper (Boleophthalmus pectinirostris) has a streamlined body with a broad head and flat tail. Its eyes are prominent and closely spaced, giving it a distinctive appearance. The mouth is large and positioned at the front, with strong jaws and teeth adapted for feeding on algae and small invertebrates. Its skin is covered with round scales, and its fins are well-developed, allowing it to move on land and swim efficiently in water.
In terms of behavior, mudskippers are highly adaptable. They can crawl or jump on muddy surfaces using their pectoral and caudal fins. They also breathe through their skin and gill chambers, enabling them to survive out of water for extended periods. They prefer warm, brackish environments and are sensitive to cold temperatures. When water temperatures drop below 14°C, they seek shelter in burrows.
Mudskippers typically live in tidal flats and estuarine areas. During sunny days, they search for food such as benthic algae, small insects, and crustaceans. They are known to dig complex burrows with multiple entrances, often shaped like a "Y" or "U." These burrows provide protection from predators and extreme weather conditions.
Breeding occurs between April and September, with peak spawning in May and June. Female mudskippers lay sticky eggs that adhere to objects in the water. The eggs hatch after about 87 hours under optimal temperature and salinity conditions. Juveniles grow rapidly, reaching commercial size within a year, and can live up to five years in the wild.
For farming, suitable sites include saline or slightly alkaline tidal flats. Ponds should have a flat, soft mud bottom with proper drainage and water flow. A central channel and surrounding ditches help regulate water levels and provide areas for sunbathing. Fertilizing the pond surface encourages the growth of benthic algae, which serves as a natural food source.
When selecting seedlings, farmers should focus on healthy, mature individuals from the Gobiidae family. Proper management, including water quality control and feeding practices, ensures successful cultivation. With the right environment and care, mudskipper farming can be a profitable and sustainable aquaculture option.
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