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Spotted snake blenny (Haliophis guttatus) — Pseudochromidae

Spotted snake blenny

Haliophis guttatus

The Spotted snake blenny (Haliophis guttatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Pseudochromidae that grows up to 16 cm.

Length
15.5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
1.0–15.0 m
Body shape
Snake-like
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The spotted snake blenny is an eel-like blenny relative (Notograptidae) from shallow reef water of the Red Sea and western Indian Ocean. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a strongly elongate, snake-like, brown body with light spots and long, continuous dorsal and anal fins. As a hidden bottom-dweller it creeps among coral rubble, sponges and seagrass and snaps at small crustaceans and worms. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Spotted snake blenny?

The Spotted snake blenny has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Spotted snake blenny live?

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

How big does the Spotted snake blenny get?

The Spotted snake blenny grows to a maximum of about 16 cm.

Is the Spotted snake blenny dangerous to humans?

No, the Spotted snake blenny is harmless to humans.

Is the Spotted snake blenny edible?

Yes, the Spotted snake blenny is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Gevlekte slangslijmvis sourced
English name
Spotted snake blenny sourced
Scientific name
Haliophis guttatus
Family
Pseudochromidae
Other names
African eel blenny sourced

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
15.5 verified
Body shape
Snake-like sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

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

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. 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 Haliophis

More from the family Pseudochromidae

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