Life on land, even in a damp and humid habitat like the mud banks of a mangrove forest, is difficult for fish. But there are extraordinary amphibious fish that spend most of their time out of water, climbing over roots and mud to feed on small invertebrates.
The Common Mudskipper (Periophthalmus kalolo), known as Kabosoter in Creole, is abundant in mangroves in the Seychelles. Endlessly entertaining, they are notable for their ability to climb, walk, and leap out of water. They spend nearly 90% of their time out of water due to several unusual adaptations. Most of the fish’s oxygen while out of the water comes through damp skin. They have large pectoral fins for locomotion. Their blunt heads are topped by large, movable, close-set, and protuberant eyes that allow the fish to see out of the water. You can find them perched on mud, rocks, or mangrove roots with their tails submerged in water, or splashing and skipping in the mud and water.
Equally common in mangrove forests is the aptly named Red Mangrove Crab (Neosarmatium meinerti), known as Loulou in Creole. If you stroll through the mangroves, you might see this adorable creature darting into a burrow or waving its striking red-orange to yellow pincers at you. It typically resides in upper, drier mangrove areas, where it excavates burrows up to a metre deep. These burrows provide shelter but also help aerate the soil, enhancing conditions for mangrove trees and other organisms. The crab feeds on fallen leaf litter, and you can often see them gathering leaves from the mangrove floor and transporting them into their burrows.
The Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) or Floranten in Creole, is an established wetland icon. The epitome of “cool, calm, and collected,” they stand motionless in the water as they quietly hunt for their next meal. With incredible speed, they strike at fish and small crabs in one swift motion using their dagger-shaped yellow-orange bill. The largest heron species in Seychelles, they are characterized by their grey plumage, black cap, and large orange-yellow legs. These birds inhabit freshwater wetlands, mangroves, beaches, lagoons, and mudflats. Their long legs allow them to wade through shallow waters. They build large, untidy nests high in trees. By 1970, grey herons had been eradicated as a breeding species on the granitic islands due to hunting for food and sport. Although they survived on some outer islands, they made a comeback in the 1980s and began breeding again on Mahé 20 years later.
Another familiar wetland bird is the Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus), known as Pouldo in Creole. This bird is mostly black, with a white undertail and white streaks along its flanks. It also has a bright red frontal shield and a bill with a striking yellow tip. Its long yellowish-green legs and toes help it navigate in the water. The Common Moorhen feeds by walking on plants or floating on water; its long toes distribute its weight, preventing it from sinking into mud or floating vegetation. When swimming, it may dip its head underwater or turn upside down to access food deeper down. While native to the Seychelles, it can also be found in various parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia, with several recognized subspecies. You can spot them in freshwater ponds or moving quickly through wetland plants. Keep an ear out for their distinctive gargling call.