Leaping blenny

Alticus saliens

The leaping blenny, also known as the jumping blenny, is a species of combtooth blenny in the genus "Alticus". There is some uncertainty as to whether it was first described by J.R. Forster in 1788 or B.G.E. Lacepède in 1800, although Fishbase currently accredits it to Forster. It was originally described as a member of the genus "Blennius".
Leaping Blennies preparing to do what their name suggests Alticus Blennies are fascinating intertidal fish, but they can be very challenging to identify to the species level. These however, would instantly leap into the air at a close approach (often surprising the person wading past who often didn't even realize that there was anything living on the rock) and thus perfectly matching their name. Alticus saliens,Blenny,Geotagged,Malaysia,Tioman Island,Winter

Appearance

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. 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 avoid submersion by tide waters.

Leaping blennies feed primarily off of algae. They are oviparous and form distinct pairs when mating. They can reach a maximum total length of 10 centimetres.

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Taxonomy
KingdomAnimalia
DivisionChordata
ClassActinopterygii
OrderBlenniiformes
FamilyBlenniidae
GenusAlticus
SpeciesA. saliens
Photographed in
Malaysia