Home · Chaenopsidae · Eelgrass blenny
Eelgrass blenny (Stathmonotus stahli) — Chaenopsidae

Eelgrass blenny

Stathmonotus stahli
Family: Chaenopsidae
LC · Least Concern

The Eelgrass blenny (Stathmonotus stahli) is a saltwater fish of the family Chaenopsidae that grows up to 4 cm.

Length
4 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–10.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The eelgrass blenny is a tiny, eel-shaped bottom fish of the family Chaenopsidae from the western Atlantic and Caribbean. The species grows to only about 4 cm and has a very elongate, scaleless, worm-like body with a long, low dorsal and anal fin. It lives in rubble areas covered by mats of algae and sponges or in seagrass beds, where it stays hidden among the growth. As a small bottom dweller it feeds on tiny crustaceans and other invertebrates. Owing to its worm-like shape and camouflage it is barely noticed. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Eelgrass blenny?

The Eelgrass blenny has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Eelgrass blenny live?

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

How big does the Eelgrass blenny get?

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

Is the Eelgrass blenny dangerous to humans?

No, the Eelgrass blenny is harmless to humans.

Is the Eelgrass blenny edible?

The Eelgrass blenny is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Wormslijmvis sourced
English name
Eelgrass blenny verified
Scientific name
Stathmonotus stahli
Family
Chaenopsidae
Other names
Eelgrass blenny; Eelgrass Blenny; Seagrass blenny verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
4.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

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

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
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

Same genus Stathmonotus

More from the family Chaenopsidae

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