Family: Gobiidae
Dusky Mud Hopper — a Gobiidae from muddy coasts of SE China, calm bottom resident with clear territory boundaries. Reaches 11.5–16.8 cm; singly or in pairs; every fish needs its own refuge. 18–26 °C.
From the waters of muddy coasts of SE China comes Periophthalmus modestus, a member of the family Gobiidae. A benthic percher that spends its days darting between rock, glass and cave — structure decides its temperament. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 11.5–16.8 cm. Singly or in pairs; every fish needs its own refuge. Caves, stable pairs and clean sand keep this fish far calmer than open, bare tanks ever will. Maintain 18–26 °C at pH 6.5–7.5. A rewarding species for the aquarist who reads before buying.