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Cyclops blenny (Parablennius cyclops) — Blenniidae

Cyclops blenny

Parablennius cyclops
Family: Blenniidae

The Cyclops blenny (Parablennius cyclops) is a saltwater fish of the family Blenniidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
10 cm
Water
Saltwater
Diet
Omnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Israel, Sudan, Egypt, Eritrea

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Description

The Cyclops blenny is a combtooth blenny (Blenniidae) from shallow rocky water of the western Indian Ocean and Red Sea. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a scaleless, stocky, brown-marbled body with a blunt head, high-set eyes and cirri above the eyes. With comb-like teeth it rasps algae and biofilm from rocks and coral. As a bottom-dweller it shelters in crevices, holes and empty shells. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Cyclops blenny?

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

Where does the Cyclops blenny live?

The Cyclops blenny lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Africa: Israel, Sudan, Egypt, Eritrea

How big does the Cyclops blenny get?

The Cyclops blenny grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Cyclops blenny dangerous to humans?

No, the Cyclops 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.

More photos

Cyclops blenny (Parablennius cyclops) — Blenniidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Samson Bierig, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Cyclops blenny (Parablennius cyclops) — Blenniidae — 3
Samson Bierig (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — iNaturalist
Cyclops blenny (Parablennius cyclops) — Blenniidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) mai_lazarus, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Cyclops blenny sourced
Scientific name
Parablennius cyclops
Family
Blenniidae

Appearance

Size class
Small
Max length (cm)
10 inferred
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
Natural range
Africa: Israel, Sudan, Egypt, Eritrea 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

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 Parablennius

More from the family Blenniidae

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