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Christmas rockskipper (Praealticus natalis) — Blenniidae

Christmas rockskipper

Praealticus natalis
Family: Blenniidae

The Christmas rockskipper (Praealticus natalis) is a saltwater fish of the family Blenniidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
8 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–3.0 m
Diet
Omnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Christmas I., Guam, North. Marianas

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Description

The Christmas rockskipper is a combtooth blenny (Blenniidae) from the surf zone and tide pools of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 8 cm and has a scaleless, stocky, brown-marbled body with a blunt head, high-set eyes and small cirri. With comb-like teeth it rasps algae from rocks; at low tide it nimbly skips from pool to pool and can stay briefly out of the water. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Christmas rockskipper?

The Christmas rockskipper has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Christmas rockskipper live?

The Christmas rockskipper lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: Christmas I., Guam, North. Marianas

How big does the Christmas rockskipper get?

The Christmas rockskipper grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Christmas rockskipper dangerous to humans?

No, the Christmas rockskipper 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Christmas rockskipper sourced
Scientific name
Praealticus natalis
Family
Blenniidae
Other names
Natal rockskipper; Natal blenny verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Marbled sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

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: Christmas I., Guam, North. Marianas sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae and detritus inferred
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

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

Same genus Praealticus

More from the family Blenniidae

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