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Bearded snakeblenny (Blennodesmus scapularis) — Pseudochromidae

Bearded snakeblenny

Blennodesmus scapularis

The Bearded snakeblenny (Blennodesmus scapularis) is a saltwater fish of the family Pseudochromidae that grows up to 9 cm.

Length
8.9 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–3.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Australia
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The bearded snakeblenny is a snakeblenny (Notograptidae) from shallow reef and seagrass water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a very slender, elongate, eel-like body with a long, continuous dorsal and anal fin and fringe-like barbels around the mouth. As a cryptic bottom-dweller it wriggles among coral rubble, seagrass and crevices and snaps at small crustaceans and worms. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bearded snakeblenny?

The Bearded snakeblenny has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Bearded snakeblenny live?

The Bearded snakeblenny lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: Australia

How big does the Bearded snakeblenny get?

The Bearded snakeblenny grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.

Is the Bearded snakeblenny dangerous to humans?

No, the Bearded snakeblenny is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Bearded snakeblenny edible?

Yes, the Bearded snakeblenny is commonly eaten.

More photos

Bearded snakeblenny (Blennodesmus scapularis) — Pseudochromidae — 2
Wikimedia Commons — G.H.Ford (Public domain)
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All data

Identification

English name
Bearded snakeblenny sourced
Scientific name
Blennodesmus scapularis
Family
Pseudochromidae
Other names
Ocellate eel blenny; Eel blenny verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.9 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
3.0 verified
Natural range
Oceania: Australia sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

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

More from the family Pseudochromidae

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