Australian blenny facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Australian blenny |
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The Australian blenny (Ecsenius australianus) is a small, colorful fish that lives in the ocean. It's a type of blennioid fish, known for their unique body shapes and habits. These blennies are usually reddish-brown with a white belly. You can often find them swimming in the shallow, warm waters around the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea in Australia.
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What Makes Them Special?
Scientists believe the Australian blenny is closely related to another blenny called E. fourmanoiri. They share some similar markings, like dark bands and stripes. They also look a bit like E. opsifrontalis. However, Australian blennies are different from these other fish. They have a special number of fin rays and bones in their spine (vertebrae). This helps scientists tell them apart.
What Do They Look Like?
Australian blennies are tiny fish. They only grow to about 6 centimeters (about 2.4 inches) long. The top two-thirds of their body is a reddish-brown color. They have white spots that form two rows along their sides. The bottom part of their body is white.
A reddish-brown stripe with white edges runs from behind their gill cover, through their eyes. This stripe can be bright orange-red or even pinkish-brown. Towards their tail, their color changes to grey.
Their Fins
Like all fish, Australian blennies have fins that help them swim.
- Their dorsal fin (on their back) has twelve stiff spines and 13 to 15 soft rays.
- The anal fin (on their belly, near the tail) has two spines and 15 to 17 soft rays.
- Their pectoral fins (on their sides, like arms) usually have 13 soft rays. Sometimes they can have 14.
- The tail (caudal) fin has 14 rays.
How They Have Babies
Australian blennies are oviparous. This means they lay eggs. The eggs are sticky and attach to the bottom of the ocean. This helps them stay safe as they develop.
Where Do They Live?
Australian blennies live in the western part of the Pacific Ocean. You can find them mainly around the Great Barrier Reef and the Coral Sea in Australia. They love living near coral reefs in shallow waters.
Currently, they are mostly found in the northern part of the Great Barrier Reef. However, as ocean temperatures rise due to climate change, their home range might expand southwards. This has happened with other fish species too.
See also
In Spanish: Ecsenius australianus para niños
