Hypleurochilus
Hypleurochilus is a genus of combtooth blennies, marine fish in the family Blenniidae. It is the only genus in the tribe Hypleurochilini, which is part of the subfamily Blenniinae. The genus contains six species, all of which are found in the tropical western Atlantic Ocean.
Common Names
Species in the genus Hypleurochilus are commonly known as "blenny" or "combtooth blenny", depending on the species and region. Some species have more specific common names, such as the "striped blenny" (Hypleurochilus geminatus).
Characteristics
Hypleurochilus species are small, slender fish with elongated bodies and large heads. They have a distinctive comb-like structure on their teeth, which is used to scrape algae off rocks. These fish are generally brightly colored, often with stripes or spots. Their dorsal fin is long and continuous, extending almost the entire length of their body. They have a small, fleshy tentacle above each eye.
Environment
Hypleurochilus species are found in shallow, rocky reefs and coral reefs, often in areas with strong currents. They are typically found in the intertidal zone or just below the surface. These fish are generally solitary and territorial, defending their feeding territories from other blennies and other species. They are also known to mimic other fish, particularly the larger, predatory wrasses.
Species
The genus Hypleurochilus contains six species:
- Hypleurochilus aequipinnis (Günther, 1861) - Caribbean striped blenny
- Hypleurochilus bananensis (Springer, 1971)
- Hypleurochilus geminatus (Wood, 1828) - Striped blenny
- Hypleurochilus interruptus (Gill, 1863) - Dusky blenny
- Hypleurochilus multimaculatus (Springer, 1971)
- Hypleurochilus springeri (Smith-Vaniz, 1976)
References
For more information about Hypleurochilus, please refer to these reliable sources: