Fin's Fish Guide
The Black-banded blenny (Petroscirtes breviceps) is a brackish-water fish of the family Blenniidae that grows up to 11 cm.
Description
The striped poison-fang blenny mimic is a blenny from the Indo-West Pacific, ranging from East Africa to Papua New Guinea, north to southern Japan. The species grows to about 11 cm and has an elongate body with a broad dark stripe from the snout through the eye to the tail. It mimics the venomous fang blennies of the genus Meiacanthus and has enlarged canine teeth in the lower jaw. It lives on coastal reefs, in estuaries and among weed, and likes to shelter in empty bottles and tubes. When handled it does not hesitate to bite with its teeth. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Black-banded blenny?
The Black-banded blenny has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Mimics venomous Meiacanthus blennies; enlarged canines, can bite when handled
Where does the Black-banded blenny live?
The Black-banded blenny lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific
How big does the Black-banded blenny get?
The Black-banded blenny grows to a maximum of about 11 cm.
Is the Black-banded blenny dangerous to humans?
The Black-banded blenny can cause injury; handle it with care. The blenny can bite with its canines when handled: clean and disinfect the wound; seek medical help if it becomes infected.
Is the Black-banded blenny edible?
The Black-banded blenny is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Petroscirtes
More from the family Blenniidae
Want the complete picture on the Black-banded blenny?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Black-banded blenny is one of 12,519 species in the app.