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Saddle Blenny (Malacoctenus triangulatus) — Labrisomidae

Saddle Blenny

Malacoctenus triangulatus
Family: Labrisomidae
LC · Least Concern

The Saddle Blenny (Malacoctenus triangulatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Labrisomidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
7.5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–40.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

Malacoctenus triangulatus is a small, bottom-dwelling blenny of the family Labrisomidae from the western Atlantic and Caribbean. The species has a stocky body of only a few centimetres with a series of triangular, saddle-like dark marks on the back, to which the name refers. It inhabits coral reefs and rocky shores and often hides in crevices or among weed and rubble. The diet consists mainly of small crustaceans. Owing to its small size and colourful appearance the species is mainly of interest as an aquarium fish rather than a food fish.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Saddle Blenny?

The Saddle Blenny has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern.

Where does the Saddle Blenny live?

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

How big does the Saddle Blenny get?

The Saddle Blenny grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Saddle Blenny dangerous to humans?

No, the Saddle Blenny is harmless to humans.

Is the Saddle Blenny edible?

The Saddle Blenny is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Zadelslijmvis sourced
English name
Saddle Blenny verified
Scientific name
Malacoctenus triangulatus
Family
Labrisomidae
Other names
Saddled blenny verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
7.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Vertical bars 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)
40.0 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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