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Sabretooth blenny (Aspidontus tractus) — Blenniidae

Sabretooth blenny

Aspidontus tractus
Family: Blenniidae

The Sabretooth blenny (Aspidontus tractus) is a fish of the family Blenniidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
8 cm
Diet
Omnivore
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless

Description

The sabretooth blenny is a combtooth blenny (Blenniidae) from reef water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 8 cm and has a slender, blue-silver body with a dark longitudinal stripe, closely resembling a cleaner wrasse. Using this disguise it approaches unsuspecting reef fish and nips off a piece of fin or scale. In its lower jaw it carries two large, curved canine teeth. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Sabretooth blenny?

The Sabretooth blenny is mainly blue and shows a horizontal stripes pattern.

Where does the Sabretooth blenny live?

The Sabretooth blenny is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Sabretooth blenny get?

The Sabretooth blenny grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Sabretooth blenny dangerous to humans?

No, the Sabretooth blenny is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Nabootser-zwaardslijmvis sourced
English name
Sabretooth blenny sourced
Scientific name
Aspidontus tractus
Family
Blenniidae

Appearance

Max length (cm)
8 sourced
Dominant colour
Blue sourced
Pattern
Horizontal stripes sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

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

For anglers

Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Aspidontus

More from the family Blenniidae

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