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Piano fangblenny (Plagiotremus tapeinosoma) — Blenniidae

Piano fangblenny

Plagiotremus tapeinosoma
Family: Blenniidae

The Piano fangblenny (Plagiotremus tapeinosoma) is a saltwater fish of the family Blenniidae that grows up to 14 cm.

Length
14 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–45.0 m
Diet
Omnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Venomous / poisonous
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The piano fangblenny is a sabretooth blenny (Blenniidae) from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 14 cm and has a slender body with fine dark streaks, like piano keys. It boldly approaches larger fish and quickly nips off a piece of fin, scale or skin mucus, then darts into a burrow or empty tube. In the lower jaw it bears two large, grooved canine teeth; the bite can deliver venom. Handle with care.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Piano fangblenny?

The Piano fangblenny has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern.

Where does the Piano fangblenny live?

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

How big does the Piano fangblenny get?

The Piano fangblenny grows to a maximum of about 14 cm.

Is the Piano fangblenny dangerous to humans?

The Piano fangblenny is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed.

Is the Piano fangblenny edible?

Yes, the Piano fangblenny is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Piano-sabeltandslijmvis sourced
English name
Piano fangblenny sourced
Scientific name
Plagiotremus tapeinosoma
Family
Blenniidae
Other names
Hit and run blenny; Mimic blenny verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
14.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Pattern
Horizontal stripes sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
45.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Venomous / poisonous verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Plagiotremus

More from the family Blenniidae

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