The Piano Fangblenny, Mimic Blenny, Piano Blenny, Sabretooth Benny, Violet-banded Blenny, Yellow Sabretooth Blenny, Scale-eating Fangblenny, scientifically known as Plagiotremus tapeinosoma, is a fascinating and unique fish species found in the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. This blenny exhibits striking color patterns and intriguing behavior, earning it a variety of common names.
Description & Characteristics
Plagiotremus tapeinosoma can grow to a maximum size of 14.0 cm and is characterized by its elongated body and a distinctive dorsal fin that runs the length of its back. The most striking feature of this blenny is its vibrant coloration. Its body is typically a pale yellow or cream color with a series of dark purple or violet bands running horizontally along its sides. The fins are often edged with a thin black border, adding to its visual appeal.
Habitat and Occurrence
Plagiotremus tapeinosoma is commonly found in the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, inhabiting the coral reefs and rocky shores of the area. It is typically found at depths ranging from the surface to 45.0 meters, making it a frequent inhabitant of the shallow reef environments, as well as deeper areas. This blenny thrives in the Indo-Pacific’s tropical waters, finding suitable habitat in a variety of marine zones, from the vibrant shallow reefs to the deeper waters.
Taxonomy
The species Plagiotremus tapeinosoma is classified under the Class: Teleostei, Order: Blenniiformes, and Family: Blenniidae. This categorization places the Piano Fangblenny within the diverse and wide-ranging group of ray-finned fishes known as Teleostei, which includes a vast majority of fish species. Further classification places it within the Blenniiformes, the order that encompasses the blennies, characterized by their elongated bodies and often prominent, protruding eyes. Lastly, Plagiotremus tapeinosoma falls under the Blenniidae family, a group of fish commonly known as blennies.
Feeding
Plagiotremus tapeinosoma is known to be a carnivorous fish with a unique and somewhat unsettling feeding habit. They primarily feed on invertebrates and parasites, including the scales of other fish. Their diet consists of small crustaceans, worms, and other invertebrates that they find within their coral reef habitat. The Piano Fangblenny’s unique feeding strategy involves its sharp, fang-like teeth, which are used to remove scales from other fish. This behaviour has earned it the name “Scale-eating Fangblenny”.
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