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Dusky blenny (Malacoctenus gilli) — Labrisomidae

Dusky blenny

Malacoctenus gilli
Family: Labrisomidae
LC · Least Concern

The Dusky blenny (Malacoctenus gilli) is a saltwater fish of the family Labrisomidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
7.6 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
1–5 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Western Atlantic and Caribbean; sandy bottoms with rocks and seagrass.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

Gill's dusky blenny is a labrisomid blenny (Labrisomidae) from the western Atlantic and the Caribbean. The species is small and has a stocky body with a mottled, dark banded pattern and small skin flaps (cirri) on the head. It inhabits sandy bottoms with rocks or boulders, seagrass beds and patch reefs, where it keeps among cover. On the bottom it feeds on small invertebrates. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Dusky blenny?

The Dusky blenny has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Marbled banded pattern and cirri on the head; inhabits rocky sandy bottoms and seagrass.

Where does the Dusky blenny live?

The Dusky blenny lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Atlantic and Caribbean; sandy bottoms with rocks and seagrass.

How big does the Dusky blenny get?

The Dusky blenny grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Dusky blenny dangerous to humans?

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

Is the Dusky blenny edible?

The Dusky blenny is not usually eaten.

More photos

Dusky blenny (Malacoctenus gilli) — Labrisomidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Remy DUBAS, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Dusky blenny (Malacoctenus gilli) — Labrisomidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) sarenestx, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Dusky blenny (Malacoctenus gilli) — Labrisomidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Sheldon Logan, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))

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All data

Identification

English name
Dusky blenny verified
Scientific name
Malacoctenus gilli
Family
Labrisomidae
Other names
Dusky blenny; Dusky Blenny verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
7.6 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown
Pattern
Spots
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
Min depth (m)
1 verified
Max depth (m)
5 verified
Natural range
Western Atlantic and Caribbean; sandy bottoms with rocks and seagrass.
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
Marbled banded pattern and cirri on the head; inhabits rocky sandy bottoms and seagrass. 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 Malacoctenus

More from the family Labrisomidae

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