Leaping blenny

The leaping blenny (Alticus saliens), also known as the jumping blenny,[3] is a species of combtooth blenny (family Blenniidae) in the genus Alticus.[4] There is some uncertainty as to whether it was first described by J.R. Forster in 1788[5] or B.G.E. Lacepède in 1800,[6] although Fishbase currently accredits it to Forster.[4] It was originally described as a member of the genus Blennius.

Leaping blenny
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Blenniiformes
Family: Blenniidae
Genus: Alticus
Species:
A. saliens
Binomial name
Alticus saliens
Synonyms[2]
  • Blennius saliens

It is a tropical blenny known from the Pacific and Indian oceans, including the Red Sea, the Society Islands, the Ryukyu and Bonin Islands, Queensland, Australia; and the Mariana Islands. Leaping blennies have been recorded at a maximum water depth of 2 metres, though notably live above the water. They inhabit holes in limestone deposits in intertidal zones, and leap between holes when disturbed, earning them their common name. They are very social at mid-tide, using visual displays to warn off competitors and attract mates. Although they must remain moist to breathe, the blennies are able to breathe air, and actively avoid submersion by tide waters.[4][7]

Leaping blennies feed primarily off of algae.[8] They are oviparous and form distinct pairs when mating.[9] They can reach a maximum total length of 10 centimetres (4 inches).[4][10]

References
  1. Williams, J.T. (2014). "Alticus saliens". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2014: e.T48321187A48343142. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2014-3.RLTS.T48321187A48343142.en. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
  2. Synonyms of Alticus saliens at www.fishbase.org.
  3. Common names for Alticus saliens at www.fishbase.org.
  4. Alticus saliens at www.fishbase.org.
  5. Forster, J. R., 1788 [ref. 1354] Enchiridion historiae naturali inserviens, quo, termini et delineationes ad avium, piscium, insectorum et plantarum adumbrationes intelligendas et concinnandas, secundum methodum systematis Linnaeani continentur. Hemmerde & Schwetschke, Halae. Enchiridion historiae naturali inserviens: 1-6 + 6 + 1-224 pp.
  6. Lacepède, B. G. E., 1800 (20 July) [ref. 2709] Histoire naturelle des poissons. Histoire naturelle des poissons (Lacepéde) v. 2: i-lxiv + 1-632, Pls. 1-20.
  7. "'Landlubber' Fish Leap for Love When Tide Is Right" at http://www.sciencedaily.com.
  8. Food items reported for Alticus saliens at www.fishbase.org.
  9. Reproduction summary for Alticus saliens at www.fishbase.org.
  10. Alticus saliens Archived 2012-08-01 at archive.today at www.fishwise.co.xa.


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