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Japan: Fish Walks the Beach in Remarkable Discovery

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Japan - July 19, 2024

A recent study by researchers at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University has shed light on the incredible adaptations of the barred mudskipper (Periophthalmus argentilineatus) that enable it to walk on land, challenging conventional ideas about fish physiology.

Published in the Journal of Anatomy, the study led by Dr. Fabienne Ziadi-Künzli from the Nonlinear and Non-equilibrium Physics Unit reveals fascinating insights into how mudskippers have evolved to thrive in both aquatic and terrestrial environments.

"Mudskippers are unique among amphibious fish species in their ability to use their pectoral fins for both swimming and walking," explained Dr. Ziadi-Künzli. "They employ a distinctive movement called 'crutching,' where they swing their pectoral fins forward simultaneously to propel themselves on land."

The study utilized advanced micro-computed tomography (µCT) technology to examine the anatomy of mudskippers' fins and muscles. Dr. Ziadi-Künzli and her team discovered that mudskippers have enlarged muscles in their pectoral fins and a unique adaptation where bone-connecting tendons are replaced by fascia tissue, providing stability and strength crucial for terrestrial locomotion.

"We also observed a novel joint connection between the shoulder and pelvic fin, which is unprecedented in other fish species," noted Dr. Ziadi-Künzli. "These adaptations suggest how evolutionary pressures have shaped mudskippers to navigate the challenges of life on land."

Further analysis revealed changes in the shape of pectoral fin rays, which become more crescent-shaped towards the tips, enhancing mechanical stability. These adaptations are essential as mudskippers transition from swimming in water to navigating mudflats and mangrove forests.

"Our study underscores the remarkable plasticity of mudskippers during their development from larvae to adults," added Dr. Ziadi-Künzli. "Understanding these adaptations provides valuable insights into evolutionary transitions from water to land, with implications for both biology and biomechanics."

The research team now plans to explore the developmental stages of mudskippers further, aiming to unravel the intricacies of their metamorphosis and how these adaptations evolve over time.

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