Entomacrodus
Entomacrodus is a genus of fish in the family Blenniidae, commonly known as combtooth blennies. These fish are found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. They inhabit coral reefs, rocky shores, and seagrass beds. The genus is characterized by its elongated, slender body with a compressed head, and its long, filamentous dorsal fin. They are typically small in size, with most species reaching a maximum length of 10 cm.
Common Names
Members of the Entomacrodus genus are commonly referred to as combtooth blennies, due to the comb-like teeth located on their lower jaw. These teeth are used for scraping algae off of rocks and coral. Some species also have specific common names, such as the "barred combtooth blenny" (Entomacrodus striatus) and the "orange combtooth blenny" (Entomacrodus interruptus).
Characteristics
Entomacrodus species share several key characteristics, including:
- Elongated, slender body with a compressed head.
- Long, filamentous dorsal fin that extends almost the entire length of the body.
- Comb-like teeth on the lower jaw.
- Small eyes.
- A single nostril on each side of the head.
- A variety of color patterns, including stripes, spots, and blotches.
Environments
Entomacrodus species are typically found in shallow, coastal waters, often in association with coral reefs. They prefer habitats with ample algae growth, which serves as their primary food source.
References
For more information on Entomacrodus, you can refer to these reliable resources: