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Blackfin blenny (Paraclinus nigripinnis) — Labrisomidae

Blackfin blenny

Paraclinus nigripinnis
Family: Labrisomidae
LC · Least Concern

The Blackfin blenny (Paraclinus nigripinnis) is a saltwater fish of the family Labrisomidae that grows up to 7 cm.

Length
6.5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–10.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Western Atlantic and Caribbean.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The blackfin blenny is a small bottom fish of the scaled blenny family (Labrisomidae) of the western Atlantic and Caribbean. The species reaches only about 6.5 cm and has a stocky, scaled body with a continuous dorsal fin and small skin fringes above the eyes. It lives in rocky tide pools, on eroded limestone slopes and among algae-covered rocks surrounded by sand, also in coral-rich zones. As a bottom hunter it feeds on small invertebrates. The species has no commercial value and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Blackfin blenny?

The Blackfin blenny has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Small skin fringes above the eyes; lives in small tide pools.

Where does the Blackfin blenny live?

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

How big does the Blackfin blenny get?

The Blackfin blenny grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the Blackfin blenny dangerous to humans?

No, the Blackfin blenny 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 Blackfin blenny edible?

The Blackfin blenny is not usually eaten.

More photos

Blackfin blenny (Paraclinus nigripinnis) — Labrisomidae — 2
Baldwin, Carole C. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Blackfin blenny (Paraclinus nigripinnis) — Labrisomidae — 3
Florida Museum of Natural History Ichthyology (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — UF
Blackfin blenny (Paraclinus nigripinnis) — Labrisomidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Daniel PINELLI, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Blackfin blenny (Paraclinus nigripinnis) — Labrisomidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Daniel PINELLI, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Blackfin blenny verified
Scientific name
Paraclinus nigripinnis
Family
Labrisomidae
Other names
Blackfin blenny; Blackfin Blenny verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Marbled inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
10.0 verified
Natural range
Western Atlantic and Caribbean. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small bottom-dwelling invertebrates sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Males guard the eggs laid on the substrate. inferred
Special features
Small skin fringes above the eyes; lives in small tide pools. sourced

For anglers

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

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
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

Same genus Paraclinus

More from the family Labrisomidae

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