Sabertooth blenny (Plagiotremus azaleus) fish species and information / pictures of Sabertooth blenny - Plagiotremus azaleus

Sabertooth blenny (Plagiotremus azaleus) fish species information

Scientific Name
Plagiotremus azaleus

Common Name
Sabertooth blenny

Biology
Lives in empty tube-worm snail shells, often extending the head from the opening. Feeds by joining loose groups of look-alike rainbow wrasse and darting out to nip at nearby fish, taking mucus and perhaps small bits of flesh (Ref. 5227). The skin of larger fishes is the mainstay of the diet, although they are also known to eat eggs (Ref. 28023). Oviparous (Ref. 205). Eggs are demersal and adhesive (Ref. 205). Eggs are attached to the walls of the parent's shelter and are brooded by the male parent (Ref. 56053).

Classification

Classified By
Jordan & Bollman, 1890
Class
Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)
Order
Perch-like fish (Perciformes)
Family
Combtooth blennies (Blenniidae)

Distribution

Region
Eastern Pacific
Distribution
Eastern Pacific: Gulf of California to Peru, including the Galapagos Islands (Ref. 5227).
Range
Unknown

Environment

Climate
Tropical
Water Temperature From
Unknown °C
Water Temperature To
Unknown °C
Depth From - meters
2 m
Depth To - meters
23 m
Zone
reef-associated
Environment
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 2 - 23 m (Ref. 5227)
Trophic Level
4.42 s.e. 0.78 Based on food items.
Occurs in Marine / Salt water
True
Occurs in Brackish water
False
Occurs in Fresh Water
False
Occurs on Reefs
True
Is kept in Aquariums
False

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length
10.0 cm
Common Length
Unknown cm
Phylogenetic Diversity Index
PD50 = 0.5005 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses
Unknown
Vulnerability
Low vulnerability (21 of 100)
Resilience
High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)
Threat To Humans
  Harmless
IUCN Red List Status
  Least Concern (LC)