The Dashed-line Blenny, scientifically known as Blenniella interrupta, is a small, intriguing fish species found in the coastal waters of Europe. This species is a prominent member of the Blenniidae family, commonly known as blennies, which are characterized by their elongated bodies and prominent dorsal fins.
Description & Characteristics
The Dashed-line Blenny is easily recognizable by its distinctive dashed lines, which are its namesake. It is a relatively small fish, reaching a maximum size of around 6.0 cm. The body of the Blenniella interrupta is slender and elongated, with a slightly compressed head. The dorsal fin is long and continuous, with a distinct, rounded lobe at its rear. The fish also has a prominent, fleshy tentacle on its head above each eye.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Dashed-line Blenny Blenniella interrupta is typically found in shallow, coastal waters, often in tide pools and rock pools. Its preferred habitats include the Wadden Sea, a unique ecosystem known for its intertidal flats and mudflats. These habitats fall within the subtidal, sublittoral, and infralittoral marine zones. These zones, which extend from the lower limit of the intertidal zone to the shelf edge at about 200 m water depth, are often characterized by their rich biodiversity and abundant marine life. The Blenniella interrupta is particularly common in the neritic zone, which encompasses the shallow waters above the continental shelf.
Taxonomy
The Dashed-line Blenny, Blenniella interrupta, is classified within the Class: Teleostei, Order: Blenniiformes, and Family: Blenniidae. Teleostei encompasses a vast majority of bony fish, distinguished by their advanced skeletal structures. Blenniiformes, the order to which Blenniella interrupta belongs, includes the blennies, combtooth blennies, and clingfishes. The Blenniidae family further categorizes the blennies based on their specific anatomical features, including their elongated body forms and prominent dorsal fins.
Feeding
The Dashed-line Blenny, Blenniella interrupta, is a primarily herbivorous fish, feeding primarily on algae. Its diet may also include small invertebrates that it finds in its shallow coastal habitats. The blennies’ strong jaws and teeth are well-suited for scraping algae from rocks and surfaces.
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