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Molly miller (Scartella cristata) — Blenniidae

Molly miller

Scartella cristata
Family: Blenniidae
LC · Least Concern

The Molly miller (Scartella cristata) is a saltwater fish of the family Blenniidae that grows up to 12 cm.

Length
12 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–10.0 m
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The molly miller is a small, scaleless fish of the family Blenniidae reaching about 12 cm. It is characterised by a row of fringe-like skin flaps (cirri) running like a crest across the head between the eyes. The stout body is brownish to greenish and heavily mottled, excellent camouflage among stones and weeds. The species lives on shallow rocky shores and in tide pools of the warmer Atlantic and the Mediterranean. It is a bottom-dweller that shelters among stones and, as an omnivore, grazes on algae and small invertebrates. The male defends a territory and guards the eggs laid in a cavity or crevice until they hatch.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Molly miller?

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

Where does the Molly miller live?

The Molly miller lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Molly miller get?

The Molly miller grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.

Is the Molly miller dangerous to humans?

No, the Molly miller is harmless to humans.

Is the Molly miller edible?

The Molly miller is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Kuifkam-slijmvis inferred
English name
Molly miller verified
Scientific name
Scartella cristata
Family
Blenniidae
Other names
Molly Miller; Molly miller verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
12.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Marbled sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No verified
Dorsal fins
One continuous sourced
Dorsal spines
Yes verified

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
10.0 verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore verified
Social behaviour
Solitary verified
Territorial
Yes verified
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes verified
Sexual dimorphism
Yes verified

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten verified
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

More from the family Blenniidae

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