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Rosy blenny (Malacoctenus macropus) — Labrisomidae

Rosy blenny

Malacoctenus macropus
Family: Labrisomidae
LC · Least Concern

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

Length
5.5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–8.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Shallow coastal habitats of the western Atlantic and the Caribbean.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

Malacoctenus macropus, the rosy blenny, is a small, bottom-dwelling blenny of the family Labrisomidae from the western Atlantic and Caribbean. The species has a stocky, reddish to brown mottled body and reaches only about 5 cm. It occurs in a variety of shoreline habitats, including shallow sponge beds, seagrass areas and coral rubble, where it stays among vegetation and crevices. The diet consists mainly of small crustaceans. Owing to its small size and colourful appearance the species is mainly of interest as a reef inhabitant and aquarium fish rather than a food fish.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Rosy blenny?

The Rosy blenny has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a spots pattern. Small, reddish marbled blenny of shallow coastal habitats.

Where does the Rosy blenny live?

The Rosy blenny lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Shallow coastal habitats of the western Atlantic and the Caribbean.

How big does the Rosy blenny get?

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

Is the Rosy blenny dangerous to humans?

No, the Rosy 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.

Is the Rosy blenny edible?

The Rosy blenny is not usually eaten.

More photos

Rosy blenny (Malacoctenus macropus) — Labrisomidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) dianna912, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Rosy blenny (Malacoctenus macropus) — Labrisomidae — 3
Wikimedia Commons — Barton Warren Evermann / Millard Caleb Marsh (Public domain)
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All data

Identification

English name
Rosy blenny verified
Scientific name
Malacoctenus macropus
Family
Labrisomidae
Other names
Rosy Blenny; Rosy blenny verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

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
Shallow coastal habitats of the western Atlantic and the Caribbean. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small crustaceans sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Small, reddish marbled blenny of shallow coastal habitats. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
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 Malacoctenus

More from the family Labrisomidae

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