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Galapagos blenny (Starksia galapagensis) — Labrisomidae

Galapagos blenny

Starksia galapagensis
Family: Labrisomidae

The Galapagos blenny (Starksia galapagensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Labrisomidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
4.5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
3.0–25.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Galapagos Is.

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Description

The Galapagos blenny is a very small blenny (Labrisomidae) endemic to the Galapagos Islands. The species grows to about 5 cm and has an elongate, brown-mottled body that blends well with rock and coral rubble. As a bottom-dweller it shelters in crevices and holes of shallow rocky reefs and snaps at small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Galapagos blenny?

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

Where does the Galapagos blenny live?

The Galapagos blenny lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. South America: Galapagos Is.

How big does the Galapagos blenny get?

The Galapagos blenny grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Galapagos blenny dangerous to humans?

No, the Galapagos 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Galapagos blenny sourced
Scientific name
Starksia galapagensis
Family
Labrisomidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
4.5 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)
3.0 verified
Max depth (m)
25.0 verified
Natural range
South America: Galapagos Is. 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

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 Starksia

More from the family Labrisomidae

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