Home · Chaenopsidae · Sailfin blenny
Sailfin blenny (Emblemaria pandionis) — Chaenopsidae

Sailfin blenny

Emblemaria pandionis
Family: Chaenopsidae
LC · Least Concern

The Sailfin blenny (Emblemaria pandionis) is a saltwater fish of the family Chaenopsidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
1.0–12.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The sailfin blenny is a small blenny (family Chaenopsidae) of the western Atlantic and Caribbean. The species reaches only about 6 cm and has an elongate, scaleless body; the male is notable for a high, sail-like dorsal fin. It inhabits clear water from rocky shores to coral reefs and often lives in empty worm holes, coral rubble or along channel edges where holes are available. The species is shy and leaves its hole only briefly. Its diet consists of small zooplankton and small invertebrates. The male displays its sail fin to attract females and guards the territory. It is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Sailfin blenny?

The Sailfin blenny has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Sailfin blenny live?

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

How big does the Sailfin blenny get?

The Sailfin blenny grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Sailfin blenny dangerous to humans?

No, the Sailfin blenny is harmless to humans.

Is the Sailfin blenny edible?

The Sailfin blenny is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Zeilvinslijmvis sourced
English name
Sailfin blenny verified
Scientific name
Emblemaria pandionis
Family
Chaenopsidae
Other names
Sailfin Blenny; Sailfin blenny verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Marbled inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
1.0 verified
Max depth (m)
12.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Emblemaria

More from the family Chaenopsidae

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