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Coral blenny (Paraclinus cingulatus) — Labrisomidae

Coral blenny

Paraclinus cingulatus
Family: Labrisomidae
LC · Least Concern

The Coral blenny (Paraclinus cingulatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Labrisomidae that grows up to 3 cm.

Length
3 cm
Water
Saltwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Western Atlantic, in coral rubble and tide pools.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The coral blenny is a very small, camouflaged fish of the family Labrisomidae from the western Atlantic. The species reaches only about 3 cm and has an elongate, brown mottled body that blends well against the reef. It occurs in pockets of coral rubble on reefs and in tide pools, where it shelters and lies in wait for small invertebrates. Owing to its small size and hidden habits the species is rarely noticed and little is known about its ecology.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Coral blenny?

The Coral blenny has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Very small, camouflaged blenny of coral rubble and tide pools.

Where does the Coral blenny live?

The Coral blenny lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Atlantic, in coral rubble and tide pools.

How big does the Coral blenny get?

The Coral blenny grows to a maximum of about 3 cm. On average the species is around 2 cm.

Is the Coral blenny dangerous to humans?

No, the Coral blenny is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Coral blenny edible?

The Coral blenny is not usually eaten.

More photos

Coral blenny (Paraclinus cingulatus) — Labrisomidae — 2
Baldwin, Carole C. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Coral blenny (Paraclinus cingulatus) — Labrisomidae — 3
Baldwin, Carole C. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Coral blenny (Paraclinus cingulatus) — Labrisomidae — 4
Baldwin, Carole C., Griswold, Donald (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM

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All data

Identification

English name
Coral blenny verified
Scientific name
Paraclinus cingulatus
Family
Labrisomidae
Other names
Coral blenny; Coral Blenny verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
3 verified
Average length (cm)
2 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown
Pattern
Marbled
Tail shape
Rounded
Mouth position
Terminal
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
Natural range
Western Atlantic, in coral rubble and tide pools.
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small invertebrates 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
Very small, camouflaged blenny of coral rubble and tide pools. 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 Paraclinus

More from the family Labrisomidae

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