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Black-lined blenny (Istiblennius lineatus) — Blenniidae

Black-lined blenny

Istiblennius lineatus
Family: Blenniidae
LC · Least Concern

The Black-lined blenny (Istiblennius lineatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Blenniidae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
15 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–3 m
Diet
Herbivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Indian and Pacific Ocean; intertidal zone of rocky coasts.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The lined rockskipper is a blenny (Blenniidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species has an elongate, scaleless body with fine dark stripes and tentacles above the eyes. Adults live in the intertidal zone of rocky shores and reef flats, including rock pools, and at low tide can skip among the rocks above water for short periods. With its comb-like teeth it rasps algae and growth from the substrate. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Black-lined blenny?

The Black-lined blenny has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Small combs above the eyes; can leap out of the water among the rocks at low tide, grazes algae.

Where does the Black-lined blenny live?

The Black-lined blenny lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indian and Pacific Ocean; intertidal zone of rocky coasts.

How big does the Black-lined blenny get?

The Black-lined blenny grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.

Is the Black-lined blenny dangerous to humans?

No, the Black-lined blenny is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Black-lined blenny edible?

The Black-lined blenny is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Black-lined blenny verified
Scientific name
Istiblennius lineatus
Family
Blenniidae
Other names
Black-lined blenny; Lined blenny; Lined rockskipper; Narrow-lined blenny; Thin-lined rockskipper; Tide pool blenny; Tidepool blenny verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
15 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown
Pattern
Horizontal stripes
Tail shape
Straight
Mouth position
Inferior (downward)
Lips
Thick / fleshy
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
0 verified
Max depth (m)
3 verified
Natural range
Indian and Pacific Ocean; intertidal zone of rocky coasts.
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Herbivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Algae and biofilm, rasped from the substrate sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary
Territorial
Yes
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.
Special features
Small combs above the eyes; can leap out of the water among the rocks at low tide, grazes algae. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Istiblennius

More from the family Blenniidae

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