Fin's Fish Guide
The Secretary blenny (Acanthemblemaria maria) is a saltwater fish of the family Chaenopsidae that grows up to 5 cm.
Description
The secretary blenny is a small tube blenny from the western Atlantic and Caribbean. The species grows to about 5 cm and has an elongate body, a large head with fine skin fringes above the eyes and a spotted pattern. It occupies abandoned tube-worm holes and crevices in coral and rock, from which it snatches passing zooplankton with only its head protruding. The fish is harmless to humans and has no commercial value. The IUCN has not evaluated the species.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Secretary blenny?
The Secretary blenny has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Inhabits abandoned tubeworm tubes; seizes plankton swimming past with only its head protruding
Where does the Secretary blenny live?
The Secretary blenny lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Atlantic
How big does the Secretary blenny get?
The Secretary blenny grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.
Is the Secretary blenny dangerous to humans?
No, the Secretary 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 Secretary blenny edible?
The Secretary blenny is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Acanthemblemaria
More from the family Chaenopsidae
Want the complete picture on the Secretary blenny?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Secretary blenny is one of 12,519 species in the app.