Blackback Snake Blenny, Ophiclinus gracilis Waite, 1906

Scientific name: Ophiclinus gracilis
Alternative name/s:
Dark Backed Snake Blenny
Blackback Snake Blenny, Ophiclinus gracilis Click to enlarge image
A Blackback Snake Blenny caught at a depth of inlet near Mollymook Golf Course, Colliers Beach, New South Wales, 10 March 2010. Image: Mark McGrouther
© Australian Museum

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Ophiclinus
    Species
    gracilis
    Family
    Clinidae
    Order
    Perciformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    11 cm

Introduction

The Blackback Snake Blenny is a small, cryptic species that occurs in shallow rubbly areas of Australian temperate coastal waters.

Identification

This small species is white to yellowish with a dark band along the sides of the body. Pale blotches appear posteriorly. The caudal fin is dark with a pale margin.

Distribution

It is an Australian endemic species.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

References

  1. Gomon, M.F., Bray, D. & R.H. Kuiter (Eds). 2008. The Fishes of Australia's Southern Coast. Reed New Holland. Pp. 928.
  2. Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.