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Feather blenny (Hypsoblennius hentz) — Blenniidae

Feather blenny

Hypsoblennius hentz
Family: Blenniidae
LC · Least Concern

The Feather blenny (Hypsoblennius hentz) is a saltwater fish of the family Blenniidae that grows up to 10 cm.

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

Description

The feather blenny (Hypsoblennius hentz) is a small, bottom-dwelling blenny of the family Blenniidae from the western Atlantic. The species has a scaleless, brownish mottled body and above each eye a feather-like branched skin appendage (cirrus), from which it takes its name; it reaches about 10 cm. Adults inhabit oyster reefs and rocky shores, where they shelter in crevices, empty shells and recesses. The diet consists of small invertebrates. The eggs are adhesive and attached to the substrate; the male guards the clutch. Owing to its small size the species has no fishery value.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Feather blenny?

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

Where does the Feather blenny live?

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

How big does the Feather blenny get?

The Feather blenny grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Feather blenny dangerous to humans?

No, the Feather blenny is harmless to humans.

Is the Feather blenny edible?

The Feather blenny is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Veerslijmvis sourced
English name
Feather blenny verified
Scientific name
Hypsoblennius hentz
Family
Blenniidae

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
Thick / fleshy 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
Carnivore 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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