Horned Blenny, Parablennius intermedius (Ogilby, 1915)

Scientific name: Parablennius intermedius
Alternative name/s:
False Tasmanian Blenny
Horned Blenny, Parablennius intermedius Click to enlarge image
A Horned Blenny near the swimming enclosure net at a depth of about 6 m, Manly Cove, Sydney, New South Wales, 2010. Image: Jayne Jenkins
© Jayne Jenkins

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Parablennius
    Species
    intermedius
    Family
    Blenniidae
    Order
    Perciformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    The species grows to 12 cm.

Introduction

The Horned Blenny has a broad blunt snout, and a multilobed tentacle above both eyes. The species is endemic to Australia.

Identification

The Horned Blenny has a broad blunt snout, and a multilobed tentacle above both eyes. Its colouration varies from pale to grey-brown. There are yellowish-brown, reddish to black spots on the head and dark blotches on the sides of the body.

Habitat

It lives in coastal reefs and estuaries where it is commonly seen in small groups, often on jetty pylons.

Distribution

The Horned Blenny is endemic to Australia, occurring from northern Queensland to southern New South Wales.

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. 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.
  2. Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
  3. Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
  4. Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.