Antennablennius
Antennablennius is a genus of combtooth blennies in the family Blenniidae. This genus was first described in 1927 by American ichthyologist Henry Weed Fowler. Antennablennius are small, cryptic fish with a distinctive appearance. They are found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region.
Common Names
There are no widely recognized common names for fish belonging to this genus.
Characteristics
Antennablennius species share several distinct features, including:
- Elongated, slender body shape
- A prominent, elongated dorsal fin
- A pair of long, threadlike cirri (filaments) extending from above the eyes, giving them a "tentacle" appearance
- Small, comb-like teeth on the jaws
- A distinctive, usually brightly colored, pattern of stripes or spots
Environments
Antennablennius species are typically found in shallow, rocky reefs and tide pools. They are often seen in crevices or under rocks, where they can hide from predators. They are usually found in the intertidal zone or slightly deeper, but can also be observed in waters as deep as 40 meters.