Home · Labrisomidae · Diamond blenny
Diamond blenny (Malacoctenus boehlkei) — Labrisomidae

Diamond blenny

Malacoctenus boehlkei
Family: Labrisomidae
LC · Least Concern

The Diamond blenny (Malacoctenus boehlkei) is a saltwater fish of the family Labrisomidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6.4 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
5.0–70.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The diamond blenny is a small bottom fish of the scaled blenny family (Labrisomidae) from the western Atlantic and Caribbean. The species grows to about 6.5 cm and has a pale, mottled body with a fine, diamond-shaped pattern and skin flaps above the eyes. It inhabits patch reefs and deeper coral formations and is often found in association with sea anemones, sheltering among the tentacles for protection. As a small bottom predator it feeds on small crustaceans and other invertebrates. Owing to its camouflage it is little noticed. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Diamond blenny?

The Diamond blenny has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly white and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Diamond blenny live?

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

How big does the Diamond blenny get?

The Diamond blenny grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Diamond blenny dangerous to humans?

No, the Diamond blenny is harmless to humans.

Is the Diamond blenny edible?

The Diamond blenny is not usually eaten.

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →

All data

Identification

Dutch name
Diamant-schubslijmvis sourced
English name
Diamond blenny verified
Scientific name
Malacoctenus boehlkei
Family
Labrisomidae
Other names
Diamond Blenny; Diamond blenny verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.4 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
White 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)
5.0 verified
Max depth (m)
70.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Malacoctenus

More from the family Labrisomidae

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →