WHATSTHATFISH
Bony fish

Barfin Benny

Malacoctenus versicolor

Also known as: Labrisomid Blenny, Scaly Blenny

Adult
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01

Overview

Found singly, resting on their Pectoral and Dorsal Fins, blending in with the background, in shallow waters, over rock, rubble, and sandy areas, of coral reefs.
They feed on delicate algae, tiny crustaceans, and sometimes fish eggs of Abudefduf.

Males and females differ in colour as well as the males have a more elongated fore-Dorsal Fin.

Scaly Blennies are found in various habitats perched on their fins and usually blending in with their surroundings.
Males and females often have different colouring and features.
Most are unafraid and don't move unless they feel threatened.

02

How to identify

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03

Habitat & where to find it

  • Range · Western Atlantic, Caribbean
LIVES IN

Found singly, resting on their Pectoral and Dorsal Fins, blending in with the background, in shallow waters, over rock, rubble, and sandy areas, of coral reefs.

04

Adult photos 0

05

Discussion

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    ALL STAGES
    FOR THE MARINE-BIOLOGY CURIOUS

    Deep dive

    Taxonomy

    1. kingdomAnimalia
    2. phylumChordata
    3. classTeleostei
    4. orderBlenniiformes
    5. familyLabrisomidae
    6. genusMalacoctenus
    7. speciesMalacoctenus versicolor (Poey, 1876)

    SourcesWoRMSFishBase

    06

    More in the family

    Labrisomids (Labrisomidae)