When most people think of fish they see a creature that lives in the water and swims around. Most people do not think about the several species of fish that can “walk” on land. These fish do not stand up and walk as must animals do, they instead wiggle and squirm in such a way that they do move but its not very fast and mostly uncontrollable. The species that I will talk about are the MudSkipper, the Snakehead, the Walking Catfish and several of the Hawaiian Gobies.
The Mudskipper is probably the most famous walking fish around. Just about everyone has seen a documentary on T.V. of this unique fish. These fish take water and store it in their gills so that they can breath while on land. The pectoral act as legs and are used to walk. These fish can even jump about 18 to 24 inches high. Having the ability to walk on land gives the Mudskipper an advantage other fish cant have. With this advantage comes a curse. The fish will dry out and if caught far from the water may not be able to recover. Also the land has many predators which may eat a stranded Mudskipper. Because these fish spend time on land, their diet reflects this. They are known to eat bugs and spiders.
In recent history the Snakehead has become one of the most famous walking fish. Snakeheads are native to Asian but have been imported to the United States through illegal trade. Some people find them a delicacy while others want them as pets. Some were let go and they have begun to spread. This invasive species is extremely aggressive and wiping out the population of native fish in my lakes. Florida is one of the worst hit areas. The problem with these fish is that they have no natural enemies so they go unchecked. Couple that fact with the fact that these fish can walk from pond to pond and that makes them spread easily. It is illegal to throw a Snakehead back into the water if one is caught. It must be killed by law.
The Walking catfish is another invasive species found in Florida and a few other states. It was imported from Thailand for the Pet Trade as well as for food. It is thought that sometime in the 19060’s some farm raised specimen escaped and began the spread. Other reports say local pet owners released the fish. While this species is invasive it has not caused as much damage as the Snakehead has. The Walking Catfish reaches only about 1 foot long and walks much the same as the Snakehead by simply wiggling back and forth. It can stay on land as long as it stays moist.
Several species of freshwater Gobys live in the Hawaiian Islands that have a walking method. This species do not leave the water completely at all. These Gobys climb the walls of freshwater waterfalls to lay their eggs at the top. The eggs wash down into the ocean where they hatch and begin the journey for the next generation.
There are also numerous fish that walk not on land but on the ocean floor. They do not swim but rather walk on fins. The Batfish is a prime example of this type of fish.
