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Scaleless rockskipper (Andamia heteroptera) — Blenniidae

Scaleless rockskipper

Andamia heteroptera
Family: Blenniidae

The Scaleless rockskipper (Andamia heteroptera) is a saltwater fish of the family Blenniidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6.4 cm
Water
Saltwater
Diet
Omnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Christmas I., Indonesia, Andaman Is.

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Description

The scaleless rockskipper is a combtooth blenny (Blenniidae) from the surf zone of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 8 cm and has a slender, scaleless, brown-marbled body with high-set eyes and a suctorial lower mouth. In the splash zone it clings to wet rocks, stays partly active out of water and rasps algae from the rock with comb-like teeth. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Scaleless rockskipper?

The Scaleless rockskipper has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Scaleless rockskipper live?

The Scaleless rockskipper lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: Christmas I., Indonesia, Andaman Is.

How big does the Scaleless rockskipper get?

The Scaleless rockskipper grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Scaleless rockskipper dangerous to humans?

No, the Scaleless rockskipper 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

Scaleless rockskipper (Andamia heteroptera) — Blenniidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Nick Tobler (Cowturtle), some rights reserved (CC BY))
Scaleless rockskipper (Andamia heteroptera) — Blenniidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Jan Vršovský, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA))
Scaleless rockskipper (Andamia heteroptera) — Blenniidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) erisy, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Scaleless rockskipper (Andamia heteroptera) — Blenniidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Leoš Smutný a Antonín Horáček, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Scaleless rockskipper sourced
Scientific name
Andamia heteroptera
Family
Blenniidae
Other names
East Indian lipsucker sourced

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.4 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Marbled sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Natural range
Asia: Christmas I., Indonesia, 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

More from the family Blenniidae

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