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Parablennius gattorugine, commonly known as the Tompot Blenny or Blenio de Roca, is a fascinating and charismatic marine fish belonging to the family Blenniidae. These blennies are well-adapted to rocky coastal environments, exhibiting cryptic coloration and a distinctive head morphology. They are known for their inquisitive nature and territorial behavior, often observed peering from their chosen crevices. Their ecological role includes controlling small invertebrate populations and serving as a food source for larger predators. They are not typically targeted by commercial fisheries but are appreciated by divers and underwater photographers for their photogenic qualities.
Caratteristiche fisiche
- Forma del corpo
- elongated
- Colorazione
- Highly variable, ranging from mottled browns, greens, and reds to blend with their rocky surroundings. Often features irregular dark bands or blotches. Males may display brighter colors during breeding season.
- Tipo di squame
- none
- Posizione della bocca
- terminal
- Caratteristiche distintive
- Prominent, branched cirri (fleshy appendages) above each eye, resembling eyebrows., A pair of cirri on the anterior nostrils., Large, expressive eyes., Relatively large head compared to body., Absence of scales.
- Pinna dorsale
- Long, continuous dorsal fin with 11-12 spines and 17-19 soft rays. A distinct notch often separates the spiny and soft-rayed portions.
- Pinna caudale
- Rounded caudal fin.
- Pinna pettorale
- Large, fan-like pectoral fins.
- Pinne distintive
- Pelvic fins are jugular (located anterior to the pectoral fins) and modified into short, fleshy rays used for perching and maneuvering.
Consigli per l'identificazione
Supraorbital Cirri
Look for the prominent, branched, antler-like cirri above each eye. This is a key distinguishing feature from many other blenny species.
Nostril Cirri
Observe the small, branched cirri on the anterior nostrils. This helps differentiate it from species like Parablennius tentacularis which has longer, unbranched nasal cirri.
Body Shape and Coloration
Its elongated body, large head, and mottled brown/green/red coloration are characteristic. The absence of scales is also a good indicator.
Dorsal Fin
The long, continuous dorsal fin with a noticeable notch between the spiny and soft-rayed portions is typical.
Habitat
- Tipo di acqua
- saltwater
- Profondità
- Typically found from the intertidal zone down to about 30 meters (100 feet), occasionally deeper to 50 meters (165 feet).
- Ambiente
- Rocky reefs, tide pools, jetties, and artificial structures with abundant crevices, holes, and algal growth. They are benthic and highly territorial, rarely venturing far from their chosen shelter.
- Areale geografico
- Eastern Atlantic Ocean, from the British Isles south to Morocco, including the Canary Islands. Also widely distributed throughout the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea.
Informazioni sull'acquario
- Livello di cura: intermediate
- Temperamento: territorial
- Dieta: carnivore
- Dimensione minima della vasca: 75 gallons
- Temperatura: 18-24°C (64-75°F)
- Livello di pH: 8.1-8.4
- Durezza: 8-12 dKH
- Compatibilità: Can be kept with other robust, non-aggressive fish of similar size. Avoid keeping with very small or shy species, or other blennies unless the tank is very large with ample hiding spots.
- Requisiti speciali: Requires a well-established marine aquarium with plenty of live rock providing numerous crevices and hiding spots. A secure lid is essential as they are known jumpers. Provide a varied diet of meaty foods.
Informazioni in natura
- Stato di conservazione: least concern
- Stagionalità: Breeding typically occurs in spring and summer, with males guarding eggs in crevices. Active year-round.
- Prezzo di mercato: N/A
- Importanza commerciale: none
- Sapore: Not typically consumed due to small size and bony nature.
- Consistenza: N/A
- Valore nutrizionale: N/A
Fatti chiave
Master of Disguisebehavior
The Blenio de Roca's highly variable and mottled coloration allows it to blend seamlessly with its rocky surroundings, providing excellent camouflage from predators and prey.
Eyebrow Blennyinteresting
Its common name 'Tompot Blenny' is thought to derive from the prominent, branched cirri above its eyes, which resemble bushy eyebrows.
Territorial Tenantsbehavior
These blennies are highly territorial and will fiercely defend their chosen crevice or hole from intruders, often engaging in elaborate displays or even physical confrontations.
Egg Guardiansbehavior
During breeding season, the male Blenio de Roca takes on the primary role of guarding the eggs, fanning them to ensure oxygenation and protecting them from predators until they hatch.
No Scales, No Problemamazing
Unlike many fish, Parablennius gattorugine lacks scales, relying instead on a thick, protective layer of mucus to prevent desiccation and protect against parasites.
Informazioni di sicurezza
Sicuro- Livello di sicurezza: safe
- Velenoso: No
- Commestibilità: not recommended
- Note sul maneggio: Generally harmless. Can deliver a small, non-venomous bite if handled carelessly, but this is rare and not medically significant. Observe from a distance to avoid stressing the animal.
Specie simili
Horned Blenny
Parablennius tentacularis
P. tentacularis has much longer, unbranched supraorbital cirri and typically a more elongated body. Its nasal cirri are also unbranched and longer.
Montagu's Blenny
Parablennius montagui
P. montagui is generally smaller and has much smaller, less branched supraorbital cirri. Its coloration is often more uniform.
Sphinx Blenny
Aidablennius sphynx
A. sphynx has simple, unbranched supraorbital cirri and a distinct dark spot on the anterior part of the dorsal fin, which P. gattorugine lacks.
Classificazione scientifica
- Regno
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Classe
- Actinopterygii
- Ordine
- Blenniiformes
- Famiglia
- Blenniidae
- Genere
- Parablennius
- Specie
- gattorugine
Esplora Blenio de Roca
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