BY: VALERIE ANN DISMAYA
When we think of fish, we usually imagine them swimming in water.
But did you know that there’s a type of fish in the Philippines that can actually walk on land?
The climbing perch, also known locally as martiniko, is a unique freshwater fish that can be found in rice fields and rivers across the country.
It is commonly seen in areas such as Laguna, Camarines Sur, Mindoro, La Union, and Leyte.
What makes this fish remarkable is its ability to crawl or “walk” on land using its pectoral fins.
Even more impressive, it can survive out of water for up to six hours.
This ability is made possible by a special part of its body called the labyrinth organ, which allows it to breathe air just like land animals.
Even in muddy areas, the climbing perch can move to find new habitats or look for water-rich environments, which is part of its survival instinct.
For Filipino farmers, especially in rural areas, spotting these “walking fish” is not unusual, particularly after it rains.
So if you ever find yourself in the middle of a muddy field and see a fish crawling its way across, don’t be surprised, it might just be the climbing perch, searching for a new home.
