When you think of fish, you likely picture them gliding gracefully through water. However, some species have evolved remarkable adaptations that allow them to venture onto land. From using fins as legs to breathing air, these fish showcase the incredible diversity of life. Here are eight fish that can walk—or at least move—on land.
Mudskipper
Mudskippers are perhaps the most well-known land-walking fish. Found in mangroves and tidal flats across Asia and Africa, these fish can use their pectoral fins to propel themselves along the ground. Mudskippers also have specialized skin and gill chambers that retain moisture, allowing them to breathe both in water and on land. These fascinating creatures spend much of their time outside the water, foraging for food and defending their territories.
Walking Catfish
Native to Southeast Asia but now invasive in parts of the United States, the walking catfish (Clarias batrachus) has the ability to “walk” short distances on land. This fish uses its strong pectoral fins and a wiggling motion to move from one water body to another. Its survival tactic is aided by an auxiliary breathing organ, which lets it absorb oxygen from the air.
Climbing Perch
The climbing perch (Anabas testudineus), native to Southeast Asia and Australia, is another fish that can traverse land. It gets its name from its ability to “climb” out of water and across muddy terrain, though it doesn’t actually scale trees. This fish uses its fins and a swiveling motion to move and can survive up to six days out of water thanks to its labyrinth organ, which allows it to breathe air.
Snakehead Fish
Snakeheads are notorious for their invasive tendencies and impressive ability to survive on land. Found in Asia and Africa, some species of snakehead can wriggle over land to find new water sources. These predators can survive out of water for several days, using their specialized gills to extract oxygen from the air.
Lungfish
Lungfish are living fossils that have been around for hundreds of millions of years. Found in Africa, South America, and Australia, these fish possess lungs in addition to gills, allowing them to breathe air. African lungfish are particularly skilled at surviving on land, where they can burrow into mud and aestivate (a state similar to hibernation) for months or even years during droughts.
Eel Catfish
Native to Africa, the eel catfish (Channallabes apus) has an extraordinary ability to hunt on land. This fish uses its flexible body to maneuver through mud and leaf litter to catch insects and small prey. Its ability to breathe air complements its terrestrial hunting skills, making it a true amphibious predator.
Mangrove Rivulus
The mangrove rivulus (Kryptolebias marmoratus) is a small fish with a big survival advantage. Native to mangrove forests in the Americas, it can survive out of water for months by breathing through its skin. This fish often hides in damp leaf litter or rotting logs to avoid predators and conserve moisture. Please Note: This content was created with the assistance of AI and thoroughly edited by a human before publishing.
