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Bluestriped fangblenny (Plagiotremus rhinorhynchos)

Key facts

Scientific name
Plagiotremus rhinorhynchos
Common name
Bluestriped fangblenny
Category
Fish
Family
Blenniidae
Genus
Plagiotremus
Size
8–12 cm
Depth
1–40 m
IUCN status
Least concern (LC)
Danger level
Harmless
Habitats
coral-reef
Behaviours
solitary, predator
Ocean zones
Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea

Description

Plagiotremus rhinorhynchos reaches 12 cm. Indo-Pacific blenny (Blenniidae) with elongated body with variable color phases allowing Batesian or Mullerian mimicry of venomous Meiacanthus (hence blueline blenny for yellow-blue line phase) or cleaner Labroides juvenile. Unique strategy: approaches large fish mimicking a cleaner then rips scales and mucus instead of cleaning (hence imposter wrasse/sabretooth blenny). Lives from 1 to 40 m on coral reefs of Indo-Pacific. Iconic mimetic macro photo subject.

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Bluestriped fangblenny?
Bluestriped fangblenny (Plagiotremus rhinorhynchos) reaches 8–12 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Bluestriped fangblenny?
Bluestriped fangblenny is found between 1–40 m deep.
Is the Bluestriped fangblenny dangerous to divers?
Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Bluestriped fangblenny?
IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Bluestriped fangblenny?
Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea.

Other species in the family Blenniidae

  • Parablennius gattorugine - Tompot blenny
  • Parablennius rouxi - Long-striped blenny
  • Ophioblennius macclurei - Redlip blenny
  • Salaria pavo - Peacock blenny
  • Lipophrys trigloides - Triglid blenny
  • Aidablennius sphynx - Sphynx blenny

Sources

  • Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 219334)
  • Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
  • Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2395981)
  • Conservation: IUCN Red List
  • Encyclopedia: Wikipedia