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Zebra rockskipper (Istiblennius zebra) — Blenniidae

Zebra rockskipper

Istiblennius zebra
Family: Blenniidae

The Zebra rockskipper (Istiblennius zebra) is a saltwater fish of the family Blenniidae that grows up to 19 cm.

Length
19.3 cm
Water
Saltwater
Diet
Herbivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Hawaii

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Description

The Zebra rockskipper is a combtooth blenny (Blenniidae) from tidal zones of the central Pacific, around Hawaii. The species grows to about 19 cm and has an elongate, scaleless body with a blunt head and high-set eyes. The body bears narrow, zebra-like dark crossbars. As a partly amphibious bottom-dweller it clings to wet rocks, skips between tide pools and grazes algae and growth. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Zebra rockskipper?

The Zebra rockskipper has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Zebra rockskipper live?

The Zebra rockskipper lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: Hawaii

How big does the Zebra rockskipper get?

The Zebra rockskipper grows to a maximum of about 19 cm.

Is the Zebra rockskipper dangerous to humans?

No, the Zebra 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

Zebra rockskipper (Istiblennius zebra) — Blenniidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Lilly Linden, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Zebra rockskipper (Istiblennius zebra) — Blenniidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) adventuremom, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Zebra rockskipper (Istiblennius zebra) — Blenniidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Susie, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Zebra rockskipper (Istiblennius zebra) — Blenniidae — 5
Wikimedia Commons — dreierj (CC BY 4.0)
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Zebra rockskipper sourced
Scientific name
Istiblennius zebra
Family
Blenniidae
Other names
Jumping jack; Rockskipper; Zebra blenny; Zebra rock skipper; Gori verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
19.3 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
Oceania: Hawaii sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Herbivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Algae, seaweeds and plant material 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
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures. 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 Istiblennius

More from the family Blenniidae

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