Siphonognathus

Siphonognathus is a genus of marine fish in the family Blenniidae, the combtooth blennies. The genus contains seven recognized species. These fish are found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea and the east coast of Africa, as well as the Pacific Ocean from Japan to Australia. They are typically small, with most species reaching a maximum length of less than 10 cm.

Common Names

Siphonognathus species are commonly referred to as "tubemouth blennies" due to their distinctive, elongated lower jaws that form a tube-like structure.

Characteristics

Siphonognathus species are characterized by the following features:

  • Elongated lower jaw: The lower jaw is significantly longer than the upper jaw and forms a tube-like structure used for feeding.
  • Small size: Most species are less than 10 cm in length.
  • Slender body: They have a long, slender body shape.
  • Frilled head: Many species have a frilled head with a series of flaps or tentacles around the mouth.
  • Bright coloration: They are often brightly colored with stripes or spots.
  • Live in crevices: They inhabit crevices and caves in coral reefs.

Environments

Siphonognathus species are typically found in shallow, tropical waters, often associated with coral reefs. They are particularly common in areas with a high density of crevices and caves where they can shelter from predators.

References

FishBase
World Register of Marine Species
Wikipedia: Blenniidae