How to Identify Freshwater Blenny

To identify Freshwater Blenny (Salariopsis fluviatilis), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Highly variable, typically mottled brown, grey, or olive-green with darker blotches and bands, providing excellent camouflage. The ventral side is usually lighter. Males may exhibit brighter colors during breeding season.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Prominent, often independently moving eyes, A single, comb-like supraorbital cirrus (fringe-like appendage above each eye), Absence of scales on the head and often on parts of the body, Small, fleshy tentacles or cirri on the nape and nostrils

Dorsal fin

Long, continuous dorsal fin with 11-13 spines and 15-18 soft rays, often with a slight notch between the spinous and soft-rayed portions. The spinous portion is typically lower than the soft-rayed portion.

Tail fin

Rounded to truncate caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Large, fan-like pectoral fins, often used for 'walking' on the substrate.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are jugular (located anterior to the pectoral fins), small, and consist of 1 spine and 2-3 soft rays. Anal fin is long, with 2 spines and 16-19 soft rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Supraorbital Cirrus

   Look for the distinctive comb-like appendage above each eye, a key characteristic distinguishing it from other freshwater fish.

2. 2

   Body Shape and Coloration

   Its elongated, somewhat compressed body and mottled, cryptic coloration are indicative. The absence of scales on the head is also a good identifier.

3. 3

   Fin Placement

   The jugular pelvic fins (located forward of the pectoral fins) are a blenny characteristic.

4. 4

   Behavior

   Observe its 'perching' behavior on rocks and its use of pectoral fins for movement along the substrate.

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