rockskipper

fish

Also known as: Istiblennius zebra

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Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

The term "rockskipper" refers to certain blennies, particularly a small Indo-Pacific fish (Alticops periophthalmus). This fish is known for its agility in and around rocky tide pools and reefs.1

While the term "rockskipper" specifically denotes these agile blennies, it's worth noting the similarity to "mudskippers." Mudskippers are a group of small tropical gobies found in the Indo-Pacific region. They are characterized by their ability to move on land, climbing, walking, and skipping out of water in swampy areas, estuaries, and mud flats. These fish breathe air when out of water and use their strong pectoral fins for terrestrial movement.2

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

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blenny
The rockskipper (Istiblennius zebra) is a small Hawaiian blenny representative of several that live along shores and can hop about on land. The Hawaiian Runula goslinei and the Pacific R. tapeinosoma, both of which are small, are noted for nipping at swimmers.
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The rockskipper (Istiblennius zebra) is a small Hawaiian blenny representative of several that live along shores and can hop about on land. The Hawaiian Runula goslinei and the Pacific R. tapeinosoma, both of which are small, are noted for nipping at swimmers.
Read More