North American mudskipper (SciiFii)

The North American mudskipper (Periophthalmus americanum) is a species of mudskipper of the genus Periophthalmus that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the coastlines, rainforests, wetlands, lakes, rivers, and ponds across North America to help boost biodiversity. The closest living relative of the North American mudskipper is the Atlantic mudskipper (Periophthalmus barbarus) of Africa. The North American mudskipper can grow up to 16 centimeters (6.3 inches) in body length. Similar to other members of the genus, it has dorsally positioned eyes and pectoral fins that aid in locomotion on land and in water. North American mudskippers can skip, crawl, and climb on land using their pelvic and pectoral fins. North American mudskippers are semi-aquatic animals that occur on tidal flats, mangrove forests, rainforests, and, unlike most species of mudskippers (which generally prefers saltwater), various freshwater habitats, where it readily crosses mud and sand surfaces, as well as short vegetation (short grasses, etc), out of the water. The North American mudskipper is unique among mudskippers in the fact that it can, not only tolerate pure freshwater, but also thrive and breed in freshwater throughout its life. The North American mudskipper is carnivorous, and utilises an ambushing strategy to capture prey. Capturing prey is performed through the use of a 'hydrodynamic tongue', which involves using water to suction the prey into the mouth. Sexual maturity is reached at approximately 10.2 centimeters (4.0 inches) for females and 10.8 centimeters (4.3 inches) for males. The North American mudskipper can live around nine years. North American mudskippers have been used by humans for food, bait, and medicinal purposes, but is much more common as aquarium/terrarium pets due to being much easier to keep and care for, and breed than most other mudskipper species. The conservation status of the North American mudskipper is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the North American mudskipper's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.