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mudskipper

 - 3 dictionary results

mud⋅skip⋅per

[muhd-skip-er]
–noun
any of several gobies of the genera Periophthalmus and Boleophthalmus, of tropical seas from Africa to the East Indies and Japan, noted for the habit of remaining out of water on mud flats for certain periods and jumping about when disturbed.
Also called mudspringer.


Origin:
1855–60; mud + skipper 2
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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mud·skip·per   (mŭd'skĭp'ər)   
n.  Any of several fishes of the family Gobiidae, especially of the genus Periophthalmus, that are found along the western coast of tropical Africa and in the Indo-Pacific region and are able to survive out of water and maneuver on land.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Encyclopedia

mudskipper

any of about six species of small tropical gobies of the family Periophthalmidae (order Perciformes). Mudskippers are found in the Indo-Pacific, from Africa to Polynesia and Australia. They live in swamps and estuaries and on mud flats and are noted for their ability to climb, walk, and skip about out of water. Elongated fishes, they range up to about 30 cm (12 inches) long. They have two dorsal fins, and their pelvic fins are placed forward under the body, either partly or completely fused. Their blunt heads are topped by large, movable, close-set, and protuberant eyes, and their strong pectoral fins aid them in movements on land. Out of water, they breathe air and moisture trapped in their gill chambers. They prey on crustaceans and other small animals

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Encyclopedia Britannica, 2008. Encyclopedia Britannica Online.
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