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Yellow blenny (Starksia fulva) — Labrisomidae

Yellow blenny

Starksia fulva
Family: Labrisomidae
LC · Least Concern

The Yellow blenny (Starksia fulva) is a saltwater fish of the family Labrisomidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
4.5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
1–3 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Western Atlantic, in the Caribbean.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The yellow blenny is a very small blenny of the family Labrisomidae from the western Atlantic, in the Caribbean. The species reaches only about 4.5 cm and has a yellow-brown, camouflaged body. It inhabits shallow sandy and weedy areas, at depths of about 1 to 3 m, where it shelters among weeds and on the bottom. The diet consists of small invertebrates. Unusual for a blenny is its internal fertilisation. Owing to its small size and hidden habits the species is rarely noticed.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Yellow blenny?

The Yellow blenny has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a plain pattern. Very small, camouflaged blenny; has internal fertilisation, unusual for blennies.

Where does the Yellow blenny live?

The Yellow blenny lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western Atlantic, in the Caribbean.

How big does the Yellow blenny get?

The Yellow blenny grows to a maximum of about 5 cm. On average the species is around 3 cm.

Is the Yellow blenny dangerous to humans?

No, the Yellow blenny is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Yellow blenny edible?

The Yellow blenny is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Yellow blenny verified
Scientific name
Starksia fulva
Family
Labrisomidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
4.5 verified
Average length (cm)
3 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold
Pattern
Plain
Tail shape
Rounded
Mouth position
Terminal
Lips
Thick / fleshy
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
1 verified
Max depth (m)
3 verified
Natural range
Western Atlantic, in the Caribbean.
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small invertebrates sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary
Territorial
Yes
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.
Special features
Very small, camouflaged blenny; has internal fertilisation, unusual for blennies. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. 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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