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Gilbert's blenny (Cirripectes gilberti) — Blenniidae

Gilbert's blenny

Cirripectes gilberti
Family: Blenniidae

The Gilbert's blenny (Cirripectes gilberti) is a saltwater fish of the family Blenniidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
10.2 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–8.0 m
Diet
Omnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Christmas I., Cocos Is. (Keel), Comoros, Indonesia, Mauritius, Seychelles and others

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Description

Gilbert's blenny is a combtooth blenny (Blenniidae) from shallow, surge-swept reef water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 8 cm and has a scaleless, stocky, dark body with a transverse row of cirri across the nape and a blunt head. With comb-like teeth it rasps algae and biofilm from coral and rock. As a bottom-dweller it shelters in crevices and holes of the surf zone. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Gilbert's blenny?

The Gilbert's blenny has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Gilbert's blenny live?

The Gilbert's blenny lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: Christmas I., Cocos Is. (Keel), Comoros, Indonesia, Mauritius, Seychelles and others

How big does the Gilbert's blenny get?

The Gilbert's blenny grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Gilbert's blenny dangerous to humans?

No, the Gilbert's 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
Gilbert's blenny sourced
Scientific name
Cirripectes gilberti
Family
Blenniidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
10.2 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped 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)
8.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Christmas I., Cocos Is. (Keel), Comoros, Indonesia, Mauritius, Seychelles and others 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 Cirripectes

More from the family Blenniidae

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