Linear Blenny, also known as the Lined Combtooth Blenny, is a type of marine fish from the Blenniidae family. Its scientific name is Ecsenius lineatus.
This fish can be found in tropical waters across the Indo-West Pacific region, from the eastern coast of Africa to the Philippines.
This species is reef-safe.
You can check out what this fish looks like over here.
Linear Blenny Interesting Facts
- Linear blennies live in tropical waters near coral reefs, primarily in the Indo-West Pacific region.
- These fish grow up to 3.5 inches (9.0 centimeters) long and have distinct physical features, such as a dark stripe or blotches on their bodies.
- They lay eggs that stick to surfaces using filamentous pads, with planktonic larvae found in shallow coastal waters.
- Unique among fish, linear blennies form distinct pairs during mating.
Linear Blenny Habitat
Linear blenny is found in the Indo-West Pacific region, from Yemen to northwest Australia, the Philippines, and Japan.
It lives in marine environments near coral reefs at depths of 1 to 28 meters (3 to 92 feet).
This fish lives mostly in shallow, clear coastal areas with plenty of coral growth, at depths around 15 meters.
It typically doesn’t live in waters shallower than 5 meters further south. Linear blenny prefers warm, tropical waters.
| Water Temperature: | Unknown |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Linear Blenny Physical Characteristics
Size: 3.5 inches (9.0 centimeters)
Linear blenny grows up to 3.5 inches (9.0 centimeters) long.
It has 12 dorsal spines and 17 to 18 dorsal soft rays on its back, as well as 2 anal spines and 19 to 20 anal soft rays near its rear.
The fish’s front nostril has a long fringe on one side only. Its body usually features a dark stripe that may be broken up in larger individuals.
In some cases, this stripe may appear as blotches, except in Indonesia.
Linear Blenny Reproduction
Linear blenny forms distinct pairs when mating. It reproduces by laying eggs. Their eggs stick to surfaces using a filamentous pad or pedestal.
The larvae are planktonic and often found in shallow coastal waters.
Linear Blenny Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Blenniiformes |
| Family: | Blenniidae |
| Genus: | Ecsenius |
| Scientific Name: | Ecsenius lineatus |
| Also Known As: | Linear Blenny, Lined Combtooth Blenny |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |