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Rosy blenny (Malacoctenus macropus) — Labrisomidae

Rosy blenny

Malacoctenus macropus
Family: Labrisomidae
LC · Least Concern

The Rosy blenny (Malacoctenus macropus) is a saltwater fish of the family Labrisomidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
5.5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–8.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

Malacoctenus macropus, the rosy blenny, is a small, bottom-dwelling blenny of the family Labrisomidae from the western Atlantic and Caribbean. The species has a stocky, reddish to brown mottled body and reaches only about 5 cm. It occurs in a variety of shoreline habitats, including shallow sponge beds, seagrass areas and coral rubble, where it stays among vegetation and crevices. The diet consists mainly of small crustaceans. Owing to its small size and colourful appearance the species is mainly of interest as a reef inhabitant and aquarium fish rather than a food fish.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Rosy blenny?

The Rosy blenny has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Rosy blenny live?

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

How big does the Rosy blenny get?

The Rosy blenny grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Rosy blenny dangerous to humans?

No, the Rosy blenny is harmless to humans.

Is the Rosy blenny edible?

The Rosy blenny is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Roze slijmvis sourced
English name
Rosy blenny verified
Scientific name
Malacoctenus macropus
Family
Labrisomidae
Other names
Rosy Blenny; Rosy blenny verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
8.0 verified
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 Malacoctenus

More from the family Labrisomidae

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