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Dwarf blenny (Starksia nanodes) — Labrisomidae

Dwarf blenny

Starksia nanodes
Family: Labrisomidae
LC · Least Concern

The Dwarf blenny (Starksia nanodes) is a saltwater fish of the family Labrisomidae that grows up to 2 cm.

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

Description

The dwarf blenny is a very small labrisomid blenny (Labrisomidae) from the western Atlantic and the Caribbean. The species grows to only a few centimetres and has a slender, spotted body with small skin flaps (cirri) on the head. It inhabits patch reefs and coral heads in relatively deep water, where it keeps among crevices and small holes. On the bottom it feeds on small invertebrates. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Dwarf blenny?

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

Where does the Dwarf blenny live?

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

How big does the Dwarf blenny get?

The Dwarf blenny grows to a maximum of about 2 cm.

Is the Dwarf blenny dangerous to humans?

No, the Dwarf blenny is harmless to humans.

Is the Dwarf blenny edible?

The Dwarf blenny is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Dwerg-rifslijmvis sourced
English name
Dwarf blenny verified
Scientific name
Starksia nanodes
Family
Labrisomidae
Other names
Dwarf Blenny; Dwarf blenny verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
2.2 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Spots 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 Starksia

More from the family Labrisomidae

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