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Sabretooth blenny (Aspidontus tractus) — Blenniidae

Sabretooth blenny

Aspidontus tractus
Family: Blenniidae

The Sabretooth blenny (Aspidontus tractus) is a fish of the family Blenniidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
8 cm
Diet
Omnivore
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless

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Description

The sabretooth blenny is a combtooth blenny (Blenniidae) from reef water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 8 cm and has a slender, blue-silver body with a dark longitudinal stripe, closely resembling a cleaner wrasse. Using this disguise it approaches unsuspecting reef fish and nips off a piece of fin or scale. In its lower jaw it carries two large, curved canine teeth. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Sabretooth blenny?

The Sabretooth blenny is mainly blue and shows a horizontal stripes pattern.

Where does the Sabretooth blenny live?

The Sabretooth blenny is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Sabretooth blenny get?

The Sabretooth blenny grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Sabretooth blenny dangerous to humans?

No, the Sabretooth 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.

More photos

Sabretooth blenny (Aspidontus tractus) — Blenniidae — 2
P.C. Heemstra (CC BY 4.0) via GBIF — SAIAB
Sabretooth blenny (Aspidontus tractus) — Blenniidae — 3
P.C. Heemstra (CC BY 4.0) via GBIF — SAIAB
Sabretooth blenny (Aspidontus tractus) — Blenniidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Glen Whisson, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Sabretooth blenny (Aspidontus tractus) — Blenniidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Michal, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Sabretooth blenny sourced
Scientific name
Aspidontus tractus
Family
Blenniidae
Other names
False cleanerfish; Mimic blenny; Cleaner mimic; False cleaner fish; False cleaner; Striped blenny

Appearance

Size class
Small
Max length (cm)
8 sourced
Dominant colour
Blue sourced
Pattern
Horizontal stripes sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Substrate
Stone or rock 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

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 Aspidontus

More from the family Blenniidae

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