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Crested Blenny (Hypleurochilus geminatus) — Blenniidae

Crested Blenny

Hypleurochilus geminatus
Family: Blenniidae
LC · Least Concern

The Crested Blenny (Hypleurochilus geminatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Blenniidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
10 cm
Water
Saltwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The crested blenny is a small blenny of the family Blenniidae from the western Atlantic off the east coast of North America. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a scaleless, brownish and mottled body with small skin flaps above the eyes. It inhabits shallow, hard substrates such as rocks, oyster beds and piers in coastal and estuarine water. As a small bottom dweller it feeds on small invertebrates and algae. The eggs are adhesive and attached to the substrate by a pad and guarded by the male. Owing to its camouflage and secretive habits it is little noticed. It is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Crested Blenny?

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

Where does the Crested Blenny live?

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

How big does the Crested Blenny get?

The Crested Blenny grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Crested Blenny dangerous to humans?

No, the Crested Blenny is harmless to humans.

Is the Crested Blenny edible?

The Crested Blenny is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Gekuifde slijmvis sourced
English name
Crested Blenny verified
Scientific name
Hypleurochilus geminatus
Family
Blenniidae
Other names
Crested blenny verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
10.0 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
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No 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 Hypleurochilus

More from the family Blenniidae

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