Did you know some fish can actually survive on land? I know it sounds like something out of a movie, but it’s true! Certain fish have evolved and have adaptations that let them survive on land. In this article, I’m going to share with you three incredible members of the fish family that can thrive in water and on land. You might have to rethink what your definition of a fish is. Let’s dive in!
3 Fish That Can Survive on Land
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1. Northern Snakehead
The Northern Snakehead is an invasive species that was first discovered in the U.S. in 2002. Originally from Asia, it has since spread across the Potomac River system and beyond. In fact, it can even be found in California. This fish is infamous due to its unique ability to survive out of water for days.
Northern snakeheads can breathe air. Unlike typical fish that rely on their gills to remove oxygen from the water, the Northern Snakehead’s gills can filter oxygen from the air. This dual-respiratory system allows it to survive in environments with low oxygen levels.
When on land, the Northern Snakehead moves in a manner reminiscent of a soldier crawling. This involves the fish moving its back fin and head in opposite directions. Although this method is slow, it is effective for short distances and helps the fish reach new water sources or escape harsh conditions.
However, I think it’s important to note that the Northern Snakehead doesn’t leave the water without a good reason. Extreme environmental conditions, such as high salinity, low pH levels, or high concentrations of carbon dioxide, can drive this fish to seek refuge on land.
2. Mudskippers
Mudskippers are unique because they can thrive in intertidal zones. These zones are known to be challenging environments to survive in for most marine life, but not for mudskippers! They have adapted to the harsh conditions, which involve spending a good portion of their lives out of water.
Mudskippers can absorb oxygen through their skin as well as utilize the lining of their mouth and throat to take in air. Water trapped in their gills also aids in respiration when they are out of the water. These adaptations allow mudskippers to stay on land for extended periods without suffocating.
Mudskippers are equipped with jointed pectoral fins that function much like legs, allowing them to “walk” on land. These fins give them the ability to move with surprising agility, propelling themselves across mudflats and tidal pools. The movement of this fish species on land is a combination of hopping and skipping, which is where they get their name.
3. Walking Catfish
The walking catfish, native to Southeast Asia, has made its way to the United States. It’s commonly seen in canals and urban areas in the state of Florida. The species was first reported in the state in the 1960s and has since adapted well to the environment. Walking catfish have a special organ that supplements gill function and allows them to extract oxygen from the air. This organ is called the labyrinth organ and is crucial for fish that need to survive in a low-oxygen environment. They allow the fish to venture onto land when needed.
Walking catfish travel by wriggling their bodies in a snake-like fashion, using their pectoral fins for additional leverage. This movement allows the catfish to cover distances of up to three-quarters of a mile on land. It often uses storm drains and other urban pathways to navigate between water bodies, especially during periods of heavy rainfall.
Walking catfish can thrive in various environments. They’re able to survive out of water for up to 18 hours, and moving across land has helped them spread throughout the region. Despite being an invasive species, they are more of a nuisance than a big threat to local wildlife.
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