Mudskippers in Tainan: The Ecology and Lifestyle of Mudskipper Periophthalmus modestus in Tainan Coastal Wetland

The mudskipper is one of the important wetland species. It plays a key role in the conservation of wetlands and waterfowl. The special and changing environment has given rise to the evolution of many physiological mechanisms adapted to wetlands. With high sensitivity to environmental changes, mudskippers are considered as indicator organisms of wetland environmental changes. This survey is focused on the ecology and lifestyle of the mudskippers in Tainan wetland, including mudskipper species, population size, Body Mass Index change, environmental change, ecological behavior, courtship and reproduction, nest analysis, etc. The results show that there are at least two species; namely, Periophthalmus modestus and Boleophthalmus pectinirostris in the coastal wetlands of Tainan with the population size growing and declining dynamically along with the natural environment and human activity. Moreover, there are growth changes affected by the environment. Based on three observation points; namely, Keliao, Mangrove and Anping, mudskippers grow best in Mangrove while thrive poorly in Anping. Salinity is the main environmental factor while dissolved oxygen is the second. The nest is found to have a dendritic structure. The mudskipper's environmental tolerance is not strong as expected. This may cause mudskippers to disappear due to their vulnerability to environmental changes such as embankments, fish farms, roads and other public buildings that bring cement and affect their habitat. Relevant authorities are expected to include mudskippers in the list of endangered species and begin conservation measures that give importance to mudskipper ecology and related wetland research that will help develop a sustainable society and country.