FISH that walk on land and others that spit at their prey are the latest stars at a sealife attraction.

The interesting and quirky characteristics of the mudskipper, which can survive out of water, and the spitting archer fish, are amusing visitors at the Scarborough Sea Life and Marine Sanctuary.

Sanctuary staff said the new arrivals are helping to make the Mangrove Swamp display a real success.

"Mudskippers are the supreme specialists in mangrove mud," said display supervisor Paul Bullimore.

"They move faster on land than in water, using their pectoral fins as little arms. Interestingly they spend the majority of their time on land, because they would die if they are submerged in water for too long."

To survive on land the fish absorb oxygen by swilling a mouthful of water or carrying it in their gill chambers - similar to a scuba diver carrying oxygen in a tank.

The mudskippers are sharing their swampy home with some archer fish, famed for their ability to shoot down insects and small creatures.

Mr Bullimore said: "The fact this fish can do this with pinpoint accuracy is amazing."

Both fish are found in the tropics, so staff at the sanctuary have gone to great lengths to recreate as natural habitat as possible, with nutrient-rich mangrove mud filled with a maze of tree roots.