Striped poison fang blenny mimic

Characteristics

  • Mostly observed singly, sheltering in crevices, floating seaweed and abandoned glass bottles or cans. Occasionally observed in groups, distributed along mooring ropes, chains or floating lines.
  • Feeds on cyanobacteria, detritus, algae, worms and small crustaceans.
  • Males reported to prepare nests, utilizing substrate structures such as rock cavities or shells, and provide parental care for eggs until hatching.

Description

  • Body colouration variable, generally pale brown to yellow.
  • 2 – 3 dark horizontal bands alternating with white bands along body.
  • Body colour and pattern mimicking some venomous species from the genus Meiacanthus, such as Meiacanthus grammistes.
  • A pair of large curved canine tooth on lower jaw are used defensively, but not venomous.

Common Name: Striped poison fang blenny mimic

Family Common Name: Blennies

Scientific Name: Petroscirtes breviceps___(Valenciennes, 1836)

Maximum Length: 11 cm (Standard Length)