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Rus blenny (Mimoblennius rusi) — Blenniidae

Rus blenny

Mimoblennius rusi
Family: Blenniidae

The Rus blenny (Mimoblennius rusi) is a saltwater fish of the family Blenniidae that grows up to 4 cm.

Length
4 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–3.0 m
Diet
Omnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Comoros, Mauritius, South Africa, Andaman Is.

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Description

The Rus blenny is a small combtooth blenny (Blenniidae) from shallow reef water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 5 cm and has a scaleless, brown-marbled body with a blunt head, high-set eyes and branched fringes above the eyes. With comb-like teeth it rasps algae and biofilm from coral and rocks. As a bottom-dweller it shelters in crevices and small holes. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Rus blenny?

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

Where does the Rus blenny live?

The Rus blenny lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Africa: Comoros, Mauritius, South Africa, Andaman Is.

How big does the Rus blenny get?

The Rus blenny grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.

Is the Rus blenny dangerous to humans?

No, the Rus 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
Rus blenny sourced
Scientific name
Mimoblennius rusi
Family
Blenniidae
Other names
Rusi blenny verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
4.0 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)
3.0 verified
Natural range
Africa: Comoros, Mauritius, South Africa, Andaman Is. 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 Mimoblennius

More from the family Blenniidae

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