Fish use their fins and tails to move around in the water.
However, some fish species have evolved to live out of the water, walk, and even climb trees using their fins and tails.
So, let’s learn more about the fish species that can climb trees.
Fish That Can Climb Trees
Climbing Gourami
This fish is also known as the Climbing Perch.
The climbing gourami has its origins in Southeast Asia and Africa and is named for its ability to climb out of the water and walk short distances.
The fish from this family commonly breathe air at the water’s surface.
They also move short distances on land using gills, fins, and tails for support and forward movement.
When these fish encounter unfavorable habitats like food scarcity, increased competition, or water bodies drying up, they move out looking for a new home.
The climbing gouramis usually move out of the water at night or early morning hours and use their spiny gill plates to climb trees.
They’re an invasive species that can survive up to 6 to 10 days without water.
It’s also believed that these fish can slip aboard fishing boats and invade new territories.
Giant Mudskipper
The giant mudskipper is a fish species native to the tropical shores of the eastern Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean.
It lives in freshwater, brackish, and saltwater.
The giant mudskipper is one of the most bizarre fish because it can dive deep underwater and hang from trees.
This fish is also known as “Thoi Loi” and is found in a few mangrove areas in Vietnam.
The mudskipper can walk, jump, and climb trees and is known as the walking fish because of its movement patterns.
This fish is well known for its strange characteristics.
It lives in a hole inside the mud and comes out when the tide goes out.
It quickly swims across the muddy surface and can breathe in and out of the water. It can live on land for up to 2 days at a time.
The mudskipper’s skin has blood vessels near the surface, so it can absorb oxygen from the air without actively breathing through the gill or lung structures.
Mangrove Killifish
Check out how Mangrove Killifish looks over here.
The mangrove killifish, also known as the “Mangrove Rivulus,” inhabits brackish and marine waters.
It’s found along the coasts of Florida, Central America, and South America.
This fish is really hardy as it can tolerate temperature and salinity variations.
It also has a unique ability to breed by self-fertilization.
The mangrove killifish does a “tail flip” to jump on land.
It’s a technique for jumping by flipping its head over the rest of its body toward the tail end.
Mangrove killifish enters burrows made by insects inside trees.
During this time, it changes its gills to retain water and nutrients while excreting nitrogen waste through the skin.
It can survive without entering the water for up to 66 days.
During this period, it typically spends its time inside fallen logs while using its skin for breathing.
Climbing Catfish
Check out how Climbing Catfish looks over here.
The climbing catfish, also known as the “Lithogenes Wahari,” inhabits the forests of Venezuela.
This fish is known for its ability to hold and climb on rocks using its tail and mouth.
The Lithogenes Wahari has bony armor to protect its head and tail.
It has also adapted itself to live comfortably in fast-moving waters.
Its highly developed pelvic fins resemble legs.
In addition, the strong mouth and fins allow it to cling and climb vertically on the rocks and stay firm during strong water currents.
The unique pelvic fin also allows this fish to move backward and forward independently.
Although it hasn’t been seen climbing trees, it has the technique to do so.
