Blenniidae
The Blenniidae, commonly known as blennies, are a family of perciform fishes that contain more than 500 species in over 60 genera. They are found worldwide in marine and brackish waters, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Blennies are generally small, bottom-dwelling fishes that live in a variety of habitats, including coral reefs, rocky shores, and seagrass beds.
Common Names
Blennies are known by a variety of common names, including combtooth blennies, triplefins, and rockweeds. The name blenny comes from the Greek word blennos, which means slime, referring to the mucous secretions that cover the bodies of some species.
Characteristics
Blennies are characterized by their elongate bodies, which are often compressed laterally. They have large heads with prominent eyes and mouths. Many species have prominent barbels, fleshy appendages near the mouth, which are used for sensing prey. Blennies also have a unique dorsal fin that extends the length of their backs, often with a distinct notch separating the anterior and posterior portions. The pelvic fins are located close to the throat and may be reduced or absent in some species. Blennies are generally small, with most species reaching lengths of less than 20 cm. However, some species, such as the giant blenny (Alticus gibbosus), can grow to over 60 cm in length.
Environments
Blennies are found in a wide range of marine and brackish water environments, including:
- Coral reefs
- Rocky shores
- Seagrass beds
- Mangrove swamps
- Tidal pools
They are often found in shallow water, but some species live in deeper waters, down to depths of over 100 meters. Blennies are generally benthic, meaning they live on the bottom of the ocean floor, but some species are pelagic, living in the open water.
Diet
Most blennies are carnivorous and feed on small invertebrates, such as crustaceans, mollusks, and worms. Some species are herbivorous and graze on algae. Blennies are often ambush predators, hiding in crevices and waiting for prey to pass by.
Reproduction
Blennies are generally oviparous, meaning they lay eggs. The males of some species are highly territorial and may build nests to attract females. Eggs are typically laid in clusters on rocks, seaweed, or other surfaces. The males may guard the eggs until they hatch.