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Zebra rockskipper (Istiblennius zebra) — Blenniidae

Zebra rockskipper

Istiblennius zebra
Family: Blenniidae

The Zebra rockskipper (Istiblennius zebra) is a saltwater fish of the family Blenniidae that grows up to 19 cm.

Length
19.3 cm
Water
Saltwater
Diet
Herbivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Zebra rockskipper is a combtooth blenny (Blenniidae) from tidal zones of the central Pacific, around Hawaii. The species grows to about 19 cm and has an elongate, scaleless body with a blunt head and high-set eyes. The body bears narrow, zebra-like dark crossbars. As a partly amphibious bottom-dweller it clings to wet rocks, skips between tide pools and grazes algae and growth. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Zebra rockskipper?

The Zebra rockskipper has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Zebra rockskipper live?

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

How big does the Zebra rockskipper get?

The Zebra rockskipper grows to a maximum of about 19 cm.

Is the Zebra rockskipper dangerous to humans?

No, the Zebra rockskipper is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Zebra-rotsspringer sourced
English name
Zebra rockskipper sourced
Scientific name
Istiblennius zebra
Family
Blenniidae
Other names
Jumping jack; Rockskipper; Zebra blenny; Zebra rock skipper verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
19.3 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Herbivore sourced
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

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 Istiblennius

More from the family Blenniidae

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