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Leaping rockskipper (Alticus arnoldorum) — Blenniidae

Leaping rockskipper

Alticus arnoldorum
Family: Blenniidae

The Leaping rockskipper (Alticus arnoldorum) is a saltwater fish of the family Blenniidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
8 cm
Water
Saltwater
Diet
Herbivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless

Description

The leaping rockskipper is a remarkable blenny (Blenniidae) from tidal zones of islands in the western and central Pacific. The species grows to about 8 cm and has an elongate, brown-grey body with a blunt head. It is largely amphibious: it clings with pelvic fins and tail to wet rocks above the waterline, skips nimbly from stone to stone and grazes algae, while breathing air through the skin. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Leaping rockskipper?

The Leaping rockskipper has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Leaping rockskipper live?

The Leaping rockskipper lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Leaping rockskipper get?

The Leaping rockskipper grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Leaping rockskipper dangerous to humans?

No, the Leaping rockskipper is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Springende rotsspringer sourced
English name
Leaping rockskipper sourced
Scientific name
Alticus arnoldorum
Family
Blenniidae
Other names
Pacific leaping blenny verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Herbivore sourced
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Alticus

More from the family Blenniidae

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