Aspidontus

Aspidontus is a genus of fish in the family Labridae, commonly known as “false cleaner wrasses”. These fish are known for their striking resemblance to cleaner wrasses, which are small fish that clean parasites off other larger fish. This resemblance allows Aspidontus species to mimic cleaners and lure unsuspecting prey into their grasp. They are small fish, typically reaching a maximum size of 10 cm (4 in).

False cleanerfish – Aspidontus taeniatus

Lance blenny – Aspidontus dussumieri

Common Names

Aspidontus species are commonly known as "false cleaner wrasses" due to their mimicry of cleaner wrasses. They are also sometimes called "blenny wrasses" due to their resemblance to certain blenny species.

Characteristics

Aspidontus species share several characteristic features, including:

  • A distinctive, elongated body shape with a pointed snout.
  • A small mouth with a prominent lower jaw that is often curved upwards.
  • Striking coloration that often mimics the markings of cleaner wrasses.
  • A dorsal fin with a distinctive notch near the base.

These features help Aspidontus species deceive their prey into believing they are harmless cleaners, allowing them to take a bite out of unsuspecting fish.

Environment

Aspidontus species are primarily found in tropical coral reefs throughout the Indo-Pacific region. They inhabit a variety of habitats, including coral rubble, seagrass beds, and rocky shores.

References

For more information on Aspidontus, please consult the following reliable references: