The evolution of biology is undoubtedly a temptation for all species on Earth, always believing that they can evolve into higher animals in the shortest time possible without degenerating due to the changes of time. Remembering the primordial era of Earth, when the entire planet was submerged under the ocean, life began to emerge from the oceans. Today, human exploration of the oceans remains quite limited, and the ocean is where life originally began. There is even more to it, accompanied by a sense of mystery.
Today, we have terrestrial creatures, marine animals, and amphibians. Of course, many species are considering the possibility of transitioning from the ocean to land. This is also a continuous evolutionary trend, and land seems to have become the destination for development. What we will discuss next is one such species, which once belonged to fish but has now also transitioned from the ocean to land and can stay on land longer. That is the Pacific mudskipper – a fish that lives on land and can jump far without legs. This species is a marine fish but is terrestrial in all aspects of daily life when it matures, inhabiting rocky shorelines, having advanced far beyond its peers. In Vietnam, it is known as mudskipper.
Mudskipper.
Research has shown that the pectoral fins of this fish have also evolved to support its body, meaning it has a prerequisite condition to walk on land, as well as to jump and swim when returning to the water. Its swimming skills underwater remain quite good.
Meanwhile, this type of fish can breathe on land primarily because they store water in their gills before coming ashore, allowing them to remain on land for a while, while their skin can also absorb oxygen, along with their jumping ability, enabling them to reach several areas further from the shore.
In summary, if this trend continues, they definitely have the potential to evolve into terrestrial animals, which is essentially a qualitative change in nature.
This type of fish can breathe on land primarily because they store water in their gills before coming ashore.
Some experts say that they have taken 300 million years to achieve the evolution they have today, but unfortunately, they have encountered humans on land and have become a delicacy on the dining table. The taste and nutrition of this fish are very high, so their price is also quite steep. In Can Gio, mudskippers are prepared in various ways, but grilling and fish cakes are the most popular.
Before grilling, mudskippers are coated with a layer of salt and pepper, then grilled. Since the length of a mudskipper is only about 30 cm, the chef must be skillful. When the skin of the mudskipper turns golden and fragrant, it is the right time for the fish to finish cooking and is then brushed with a layer of scallion oil to enhance the flavor. Although the appearance of the grilled mudskipper looks quite “grotesque”, when the fish is opened, visitors will find the flesh white, delicious, and notably, even when cooled, it does not have a fishy smell.
The appearance of the mudskipper after grilling looks quite “grotesque,” but the fish meat is white and delicious.
For the dish of mudskipper salad mixed with sour starfruit leaves, the mudskipper is also grilled but without salt and pepper or spices. After cooking, the fish is torn into bite-sized pieces. It is then mixed with starfruit leaves that have a pure sour taste, along with other herbs and shallots for decoration, similar to traditional salads. This dish is dipped in sweet fish sauce and served with shrimp crackers. Additionally, the mudskipper can also be minced into fish cakes as usual. It is then rolled with a cooked shrimp and wrapped in seaweed instead of rice paper. Afterwards, it is placed in a frying pan to cook, served with fresh vegetables and ripe tomatoes.
In reality, many species may see humans as a threat to their evolution. The wisdom of humans has enacted many actions against other species.
Perhaps this marine creature has gone through 300 million years, finally climbing onto land, only to encounter a powerful life form like humans. This is why it is called the “most unfortunate” species. At this point, whether to continue evolving or return to the ocean may still be a challenge for them. This is truly a challenge not only for this fish species.
