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Leaping rockskipper (Alticus simplicirrus) — Blenniidae

Leaping rockskipper

Alticus simplicirrus
Family: Blenniidae

The Leaping rockskipper (Alticus simplicirrus) is a saltwater fish of the family Blenniidae that grows up to 12 cm.

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

Description

The leaping rockskipper is a combtooth blenny (Blenniidae) from the surf zone of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 8 cm and has a slender, scaleless, brown-marbled body with high-set eyes. Remarkably it lives largely out of water: it climbs and skips over wet rocks in the splash zone, staying moist and diving back when in danger. With comb-like teeth it rasps algae from the rock. 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, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.

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 12 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 rotsslijmvis sourced
English name
Leaping rockskipper sourced
Scientific name
Alticus simplicirrus
Family
Blenniidae
Other names
Marquesan rockstripper verified

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

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

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
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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