Gobies

Silver-lined mudskipper (Periophthalmus argentilineatus)

The Silver-lined mudskipper (Periophthalmus argentilineatus) belongs to the family Gobiidae (gobies) and is found in the Red Sea, with a wider Indo-Pacific range. It is a carnivore and usually seen in small groups. It reaches about 11 cm and is found at 1–50 m depth. IUCN conservation status: Least Concern. It is not dangerous to divers.

Silver-lined mudskipper (Periophthalmus argentilineatus), a Red Sea fish of the gobies family
Photo: iNaturalist / Wikimedia Commons

Quick facts

Scientific namePeriophthalmus argentilineatus
FamilyGobies (Gobiidae)
Common name (IT)Saltafango
Common name (EN)Silver-lined mudskipper
Maximum size11 cm
Depth1–50 m
DistributionRed Sea and Indo-Pacific
IUCN statusLC — Least Concern

Description

Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.

Where it lives

Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.

  • Red Sea
  • Indo-Pacific

Frequently asked questions

What family does the Silver-lined mudskipper belong to?
The Silver-lined mudskipper (Periophthalmus argentilineatus) belongs to the family Gobiidae (gobies).
Is the Silver-lined mudskipper dangerous?
It is not dangerous to divers. As with any reef animal, do not touch or handle it.
Is the Silver-lined mudskipper endemic to the Red Sea?
No — it occurs in the Red Sea but its range extends across the Indo-Pacific.
How big does the Silver-lined mudskipper get?
It reaches a maximum length of about 11 cm.

Explore the Silver-lined mudskipper in 3D in the interactive atlas →