Arrow blenny facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Arrow blenny |
|
|---|---|
_by_q_phia_-_Cuba_2017.jpg) |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Lucaya zingaro Böhlke, 1957 |
The arrow blenny (scientific name: Lucayablennius zingaro) is a small, unique fish. It belongs to a family of fish called chaenopsid blennies. You can find it living in coral reefs near the Bahamas and the Caribbean Sea, which are parts of the western Atlantic Ocean. This fish is quite small, growing up to about 5.7 centimeters (2.2 inches) long. It's special because it's the only known species in its entire genus (a group of very similar animals).
Contents
Where Does the Arrow Blenny Live?
The arrow blenny makes its home in coastal coral reefs. These reefs are found near the Bahamas, in the Caribbean Sea, and in the western part of the Atlantic Ocean.
Geographic Range
This fish lives in a wide area. Its range stretches west to the Yucatán peninsula in Mexico. To the north, it can be found as far as the Florida keys in the United States. Its southern limit reaches the eastern tip of South America.
How Deep Do They Live?
Arrow blennies usually live in water that is 13 to 106 meters (about 43 to 348 feet) deep. This means they can be found in both shallower and deeper parts of the coral reefs.
What Does the Arrow Blenny Look Like?
The arrow blenny has a very unique look compared to other blennies. It has a long, pointed snout. This special snout helps it catch its food.
Body Color and Stripes
Its body is usually a cinnamon red or brown color. This color fades to yellow as you get closer to its tail. The arrow blenny also has three distinct stripes:
- One white stripe runs along the top center of its head. It ends at the base of its dorsal fin (the fin on its back).
- Two other stripes are on each side of its body. These start at the front of its eyes. They run all the way to the base of its caudal fin (its tail fin). Both of these side stripes start white and then turn yellow.
Unique Tail and Spots
This fish also has black spots. There are three spots on the back part of its dorsal fin. Two more spots are found on the back part of its anal fin (the fin on its underside).
Perhaps the most unique feature is its tail. The arrow blenny's tail is always held in a curve. It curves so much that it points in the same direction as its head! This curved tail helps the fish catch small currents in the water. This might help it move around or stay in place.
