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Longhorn blenny (Hypsoblennius exstochilus) — Blenniidae

Longhorn blenny

Hypsoblennius exstochilus
Family: Blenniidae
LC · Least Concern

The Longhorn blenny (Hypsoblennius exstochilus) is a saltwater fish of the family Blenniidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The longhorn blenny is a blenny (Blenniidae) from the western Atlantic Ocean. The species is small, has a blunt head profile with fringed tentacles above the eyes and a scaleless body. It inhabits shallow rocky areas, where it shelters in cracks, empty shells and holes and defends its territory. It feeds on algae and small bottom invertebrates. The eggs are adhesive and guarded by the male. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Longhorn blenny?

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

Where does the Longhorn blenny live?

The Longhorn blenny lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Longhorn blenny get?

The Longhorn blenny grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Longhorn blenny dangerous to humans?

No, the Longhorn blenny is harmless to humans.

Is the Longhorn blenny edible?

The Longhorn blenny is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Caribische slijmvis sourced
English name
Longhorn blenny verified
Scientific name
Hypsoblennius exstochilus
Family
Blenniidae
Other names
Longhorn blenny; Longhorn Blenny verified

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom 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 Hypsoblennius

More from the family Blenniidae

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