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Thomasen's snakeblenny (Halidesmus thomaseni) — Pseudochromidae

Thomasen's snakeblenny

Halidesmus thomaseni

The Thomasen's snakeblenny (Halidesmus thomaseni) is a saltwater fish of the family Pseudochromidae that grows up to 13 cm.

Length
13.2 cm
Water
Saltwater
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: India, Oman, Pakistan

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Description

The Thomasen's snakeblenny is a snake blenny (Plesiopidae) from shallow reef and rocky water of the Gulf of Aden in the western Indian Ocean. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a very slender, elongate, eel-like body with a long, continuous dorsal and anal fin and small eyes. As a cryptic, nocturnal bottom-dweller it wriggles among coral rubble, crevices and weed and snaps at small crustaceans and worms. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Thomasen's snakeblenny?

The Thomasen's snakeblenny has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Thomasen's snakeblenny live?

The Thomasen's snakeblenny lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: India, Oman, Pakistan

How big does the Thomasen's snakeblenny get?

The Thomasen's snakeblenny grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.

Is the Thomasen's snakeblenny dangerous to humans?

No, the Thomasen's snakeblenny 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Thomasen's snakeblenny sourced
Scientific name
Halidesmus thomaseni
Family
Pseudochromidae
Other names
Thomasen's snakelet sourced

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Natural range
Asia: India, Oman, Pakistan sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
Yes inferred
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
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

Same genus Halidesmus

More from the family Pseudochromidae

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