Gobies - Unusual Distinctions

Unusual distinctions

Three goby genera—the mudskippers (periophthalmus), the Boleophthalmus, and the Scartelaos—act as true amphibians. Perhaps the most well known of these genera is the mudskippers. These gobies can move at considerable speed on land using their armlike pectoral fins. In many species of mudskippers, the pelvic fins are separate and used as independent active arms as well. Interestingly, mudskippers' eyes, which are well suited to seeing in air, are located on stalks on the tops of their heads; the fish are able to elevate and retract these stalks depending on their need.