|
| |
|
FAQs on the Combtooth Blenny
Identification Related Articles: True or Combtooth Blennies,
Algae
Eating Blennies, Ecsenius Blennies, Sabretooth
Blennies, Family Blenniidae/Tribe Nemophini,
Tube/Pike/Flag Blennies/Chaenopsidae,
Related FAQs: Combtooth Blennies 1,
Combtooth Blennies 2, Blenny Behavior,
Blenny Compatibility,
Blenny Selection,
Blenny Systems,
Blenny Feeding, Blenny Disease,
Blenny Reproduction,
Algae-eating Blennies,
Ecsenius
Blennies, Saber-Tooth
Blennies, Blennioids & their Relatives,
Tube/Pike/Flag Blennies/Chaenopsidae,
|
|
Black Blenny with Blue
Spots... ID 03/21/2008
Hello,
<<G'Morning, Andrew today>>
I picked up a blenny today. It was labeled as "Black Midas Blenny w/ blue spots
(Ecsenius midas)". However I haven't been able to find any information on this
fish.
<<Read here http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ecseniusblennies1.htm >>
I also haven't been able to get pictures yet, due to the fact that as soon as I
released it into its new home, it hid and isn't being cooperative in posing as
of yet.
<<It will, as soon as it settles in>>
After looking at the site I think the fish looks most like Atrosalarias or
Cirripectes, although I know that outside appearance doesn't always determine
the Genus or species of a fish.
<<True, these do change colour when stressed>>
Any information would be appreciated.
Thank you in advance, Doran
<<Thanks for the questions, hope this helps. A Nixon>>
Re: Black Blenny with Blue Spots
03/23/2008
This isn't the best picture, but it shows off the blue on the face.
<<Ecsenius namiyei>>
I looked at Ecsenius, here and on FishBase, and I am leaning towards
either E. midas variant, or E. namiyei.
I don't know where they originated but they came to the US from the
Philippines area of the Indian/Pacific Oceans.
Thanks again, Doran
<<Thanks for the follow up. A Nixon>> |
|
 |
Ga-Ga For His
Goby-But It's a Blenny! 11/15/07
Hi there,
<Hey there. Scott F. here today!>
I was wondering if you could help me identify my species of goby? I have
searched online and asked at my LFS but cannot seem to find the exact
species. I have attached two pictures above for reference.
Thanks for any help you can give.
Mark
<Well, Mark- it's actually a Blenny: Ecsenius stigmatura, the "Tailspot
Blenny". It's an awesome little fish (maxes out at 2 inches or so).
Mainly herbivorous, and pretty peaceful, too! I love 'em. They have
wonderful personalities and are very good community fishes. They can get
a bit feisty with other Blennies, so you have to stock carefully, but
they are otherwise really great little fish. Enjoy! Regards, Scott F.> |
|
 |
Re: Check ID/Feeding of your "Sailfin" Blenny, Before Purchasing -
03/12/07
<Hi Lance, Pufferpunk here>
I'm confused - I was under the impression that this was an algae eater, hence
the name (lawn mower), it eats algae of the glass and rocks yet your suggestion
is that it only eats "whole-animal foods" so what is it that I did not research
before my purchase? Is this not an algae eater?
<In reference to your previous question about your "Sailfin" blenny: The
"lawnmower" blenny is not the same creature as a "Sailfin" blenny. 2 totally
different species that eat 2 totally different foods. We can't give you the
correct info, without proper ID. ~PP>
Lance
Sailfin Blenny 3/21/07
Sorry for confusion - this is a lawn mower blenny - I guess some also call
it a sailfin but it is definitely an algae eater
<What was the question? ~PP>
Lance
Horse Faced Blenny I.D. 3/1/07
Hi guys!
<Hello.>
I'm hoping you can help me ID the attached fish.
<Will attempt is very small/blurry.>
It was found in the gulf of Mexico in shallow water off the coast of
Texas. My guess is some species of scorpionfish maybe?
<I do not believe so.>
The person that found and caught it says that it has kind of a red
Mohawk on the top of its head. They have added it to their reef tank
along with a second specimen of the same species that they have assumed
is the female version.
<Mmm...not a god idea to collect and add to display without quarantine
or knowing what the animal is but it appears to be a blenny,
specifically Ophioblennius steindachneri which would fit the
geographical area you have collected it in. As far as having a male and
a female, as far as I know Sexual Dimorphism is not readily apparent
with this species, though Bob will correct me if I am mistaken.> <<I do
agree with your Adam. RMF>>
I'm really curious as to what it is.
<See above and search WWM for care re:>
Hope you can help.
<A larger picture would be nice but I am fairly certain of my I.D.>
Thanks.
<Of course.>
Ginger
<Adam J.> |
|
actual size of the graphic sent |
Re Blenny I.D. 3/3/07
Thanks for your reply on my fish ID.
<Of course.>
I've attached one more picture that's a little better.
<No.....a lot....better, thanks.>
This one shows him with his "crest" up. Do you still say it's a Horse
Faced Blenny?
<Yes.>
Thanks again.
<Of course.>
Ginger
<Adam J.> |
|
 |
Blenny ID 1/17/07
Hey Crew!
<"You EEdiot Schtimpy!"... Uhh, read and follow instructions please...
your too-large image has crashed our email server... THANKS!>
I managed to get a picture of the blenny that I asked if you could
identify for me. As I said before, it's very elongated, has a light
brown under shade with purplish-brown bars in intervals on its sides. The
tail and fins a large and speckled silver and black. The head has a
distinctive rounded crest and two stripes running from that to about eye
level. Besides the ridge it seems very similar to the Redspotted Blenny
(Istiblennius chrysospilos). The two pictures are attached with the
email. See what you think about it and let me know.
Thanks again,
George
<Does look like an Istiblennius species... maybe this one:
http://fishbase.org/Photos/ThumbnailsSummary.php?ID=6047
Bob Fenner> |
|
 |
Blenny ID 1/14/07
Hi Crew!
<Hi George>
I recently purchased a blenny from my LFS that was labeled as an "eyelash
blenny". I know this is a generic name and was wondering if you could help me
identify it. It is long and slinky with a mottled reddish brown-gray color. It
has the characteristic "eyelashes" but there is a rounded ridge on the top of
the head with two vertical pink bars that run from the top of the ridge to the
eye level. Besides the ridge it seems very similar to the Redspotted Blenny
(Istiblennius chrysospilos). I have already looked at your ID pages and was
wondering if you have any idea of what it could be.
<George, identifying a particular fish from a large family is difficult with
just a description. Is best to send a photo along for an accurate ID.>
Thanks for your time,
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)> <<RMF would have sent him to Fishbase.org
with the common name...>>
George
Salarias ceramensis
Bob,
I have checked your site again but didn't see anything posted. Is your site interested about range extension for Salarias ceramensis?
I can let you have a photo taken at Heron Island in natural surroundings if
you are.
Kind Regards
Brian Mayes
<No pic needed if you don't want to have it posted, credited to you. Would
however send your range extension information to fishbase.org. Look up the
species and click on the... oh, wait, I see you already have. http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/SpeciesSummary.cfm?ID=7749&genusname=Salarias&speciesname=ceramensis
Bob Fenner>
Salarias ceramensis, range extension
Dear Sir,
With reference to page
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/../trublennies.htm
I photographed Salarias ceramensis at a depth of 10m between "Pam's
Point"
and "Heron Bommie" off Heron Island on 10th Oct 2003.
Your web page photograph in an aquarium and does not
mention the range in
GBR. With my find, the range has been extended.
Below is a series of emails between me and The Australian Museum, National
Museum of Natural History in Washington and Paul Humann.
At the bottom are a couple of the photographs. I would be happy for you to
update your website with these and the new information providing of course
you correctly credit the photography and identification.
Kind Regards
Brian Mayes
<Will post. Thank you for sending this along. Bob Fenner>
Hi Brian,
I just saw your forwarded email from Vic Springer further down in my
inbox. I'm delighted that Vic confirmed the identification as S. ceramensis.
I will go ahead and add your image to the current webpage and update the
description of the fish in the text.
Yes, the fish is a range extension! Well done. I will mention this on
the webpage.
I'll email you when this is done.
Thanks heaps, your image will really improve the page.
Cheers,
Mark McGrouther
Collection Manager
Australian Museum
Fish Section
Division of Vertebrate Zoology
Dear Mr. Mayes,
I concur with Paul Humann that the specimen is Salarias ceramensis, and
possibly represents a southern range extension for the species, if it came
from the Heron Island area (I would have to do a lot of checking in order
to
verify if it is a range extension). The photo of the specimen illustrated
at
the web site you mentioned was taken several thousand kilometers from
where
you photographed your specimen. The color pattern of your specimen is more
typical of the species. Blennies often modify their color pattern to
accord
with their "emotional" state, frequently becoming dark or pale
when
stressed, which might account for the dark pattern of the web-site
specimen.
Thank you for calling the specimen to my attention.
Sincerely,
Victor G. Springer
Curator, Senior Scientist
Smithsonian Institution
PO Box 37012
National Museum of Natural History - MRC-159
Washington, DC 20013-7012
USA
Office: 202-357-3305
Fax: 202-357-2986
email: XXXX@nmnh.si.edu
Dear Sirs,
I contacted the author Paul Humann about a blenny I photographed off Heron
Island. He advises it to be Salarias ceramensis.
I found your names credited with the identification of a photo
of Salarias
ceramensis on the Australian Museum website at page
http://www.amonline.net.au/fishes/fishfacts/fish/sceramensis.htm
.
The description and photo on the web site doesn't tie up with my photos
below.
I wondered if you agreed with Paul Humann that my photo is indeed Salarias
ceramensis and if this is the case and mine is a variant, then would you
like a photograph
Kind Regards
Brian Mayes
Subject: Re: Fish Ident.
Hi Brian,
I've checked with a couple of people and your mystery blenny is probably
Salarias ceramensis, sorry but there appears to be no common name.
Best "fishes, " Paul
Dear Paul,
I wonder if I could ask you for some help. I have been trying to identify
a
fish
I photographed on a dive off Heron Island, GBR, Australia. It seems like
a type of Blenny but I can't seem to find it in "Fishes of the Great
Barrier Reef and Coral Sea", by John E. Randall, Gerald R. Allen and
Roger C. Steene. Do you have an email address for any of the authors?
Better still can you identify it?
Photographed at a depth of 10m between "Pam's Point" and
"Heron Bommie" off
Heron Island on 10th Oct 2003.
Kind Regards
Brian Mayes |
|
|
Tiger Blenny
Hi Guys,
<Hi Megan, MikeD here>
I've recently purchased a Tiger Blenny from my local aquarium (am in
Australia) - but can't find out anything about him!!!
The most I have found is a picture, but no useful information!
I thought you guys would have a vast information base, so here I am!
Any links, info you have would be greatly appreciated.<This one is extremely
tricky do to the fact that often each species has many common or "trade" names,
made more confusing by the fact that this often changes from locality to
locality and new trade names are regularly introduced by ambitions marketers
looking for a new angle. If you found a photo, my suggestion is to look
carefully at same and see if there's genus/species info (the Latin or Greek
terms) attached and do a further search on that basis. While a few members of
the family are vegetarians, the vast majority are predators or omnivores so
you'd probably be safe increasing the protein in it's diet with shrimp, squid,
and crustacean foods (I use the local supermarket preferentially over the LFS
with excellent results)>
Thanks very much,
Megan Whall
Vietnamese Blenny? 8/31/04
<Hi, Pufferpunk here>
You guys have an awesome site that has helped a ton in the past and I'm sure
will help more in the future.
<Thank you very much!>
Lately I've been hearing a lot about a new brackish fish called the Vietnamese
blenny and actually we just got two at the shop I work at and it appears to be a
neat fish. It's a brown color with some lighter stripes, and appears to be very
similar to the algae blenny's, although I have not had much chance to observe
them yet. My question is, as I have not been able to find it anywhere on the net
or in any of the books. Could you help me locate the scientific name of this
fish so I can get more info on them.
<I have never heard of any BW blenny's. I think this is probably a SW fish that
has been unfairly acclimated to BW. It probably belongs in SW. Look through
the SW section of WWM site for the ID. ~PP>
Thank you very much in advance, Kyle Woekel.
Black Widow Blenny ID
I just purchased what is called a black widow blenny from a friend who owns a
pet store and was wondering if you new anything or could tell me where I
could look , my friend says he's only seen one in his life time and has
nothing in his books. If you could help I would appreciate it thanks.
>>
Hmm, this is actually a livebearing Cusk Eel (family Bythitidae, Order Ophidiiformes)... from the West Atlantic... stays small (about 3" overall, 7.5 cm. long...) eats most all meaty foods... easygoing. Fancy name is Stygnobrotula latebricola... sold as Black Widow "Goby" in the trade... a jumper. You might want to look on ICLARM's FishBase for what little can be found in the scientific literature on this animal.
Bob Fenner
Name that Blenny!
What are some of the common names associated with Atrosalarias to help me locate them in my LFS?
>>
Hmm, Highfin Blenny... Brown or Coral Blenny... many other common names possible... Take a look at FishBase for pix, species... exp. A. fuscus.
Bob Fenner
Name this fish? :)
WWM Group-
We bought a fish at the LFS quite a while ago, we'd never seen the
type before but decided to give it a try. The owner didn't know the name, he
thought it was a blenny of some sort, and had put one in his tank successfully.
We called him the Blue Dragon Blenny. He disappeared recently and we want
to get another one. He had quite a personality. He was a grayish-blue with
antennas, he looks similar to the Black Sailfin Blenny picture on flying fish express.
He was about 4 inches long but we don't know if he was an adult. He perched,
often pushing our hawk out of his favorite spots, he was also quite the algae eater.
We know this is probably a lost cause but thanks for anything at all.
<Hopefully this is one of the several hundred possible blennies that is commonly collected. I'll
guess it's an Atrosalarias fuscus (come in different colors). Please see on our root web here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/trublennies.htm Is this the animal? Bob Fenner>
Thanks-
Elaine
Midas blenny
Evening guys, <<Hello, Jason, it's Jason...>>
Just a quick question! I purchased a midas blenny today, which is already pigging out. <<Good deal.>> I've been looking at pics of these guys just to get a handle on their normal and stressed color patterns so I can watch for trouble. After looking at the images you have posted, are you sure that the middle photograph (the one immediately to the left of the lyretail
Anthias) is a midas? <<Pretty sure it is, they can vary in color pretty strongly depending on mood, stress, sleep time and some other unexplainable reasons.>> It looks more like a canary blenny, which I have gone well out of my way to avoid! :)
Just curious as my midas does not have the vibrant yellow coloration, and I'm not sure if that is normal or not. <<Yeah, that's normal... give it some time.>>
Thanks!, Jason
<<Cheers, J -- >>
| |
|
