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Brown sabretooth blenny (Petroscirtes lupus) — Blenniidae

Brown sabretooth blenny

Petroscirtes lupus
Family: Blenniidae

The Brown sabretooth blenny (Petroscirtes lupus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Blenniidae that grows up to 13 cm.

Length
13 cm
Water
Brackish
Depth
1.0–10.0 m
Diet
Omnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Venomous / poisonous

Description

The brown sabretooth blenny is a sabretooth blenny (Blenniidae) from coastal and brackish water of southern Australia. The species grows to about 13 cm and has a slender, brownish body with fine markings. In the lower jaw it bears two large, grooved canine teeth with which it defends itself; the bite can deliver venom that causes a painful jab. It often shelters in empty shells and tubes. Handle with care.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Brown sabretooth blenny?

The Brown sabretooth blenny has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Brown sabretooth blenny live?

The Brown sabretooth blenny lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Brown sabretooth blenny get?

The Brown sabretooth blenny grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.

Is the Brown sabretooth blenny dangerous to humans?

The Brown sabretooth blenny is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Bruine sabeltandslijmvis sourced
English name
Brown sabretooth blenny sourced
Scientific name
Petroscirtes lupus
Family
Blenniidae
Other names
Brown sabre-tooth; Brown sabretooth blenny; Southern sabretooth blenny; Wolf fangbelly verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
13.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Brackish sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
1.0 verified
Max depth (m)
10.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Venomous / poisonous verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Petroscirtes

More from the family Blenniidae

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