Latin name

Petroscirtes breviceps

Other name

Striped fangblenny mimic, short-head sabretooth blenny, short-headed blenny, sabretooth blenny, the black-banded blenny.

Identification

They imitate Meiacanthus grammistes, which, like all species of this genus, has a pair of large fangs with grooves on the lower jaw and associated venom glands. The Papuan species may also be an imitation of Meiacanthus vittatus.

Features of fish fins

Dorsal spines (total): 10-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 17-21; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 17-21. 

Fish colouring

Have a dark broad band from the snout through the eye to the caudal fin. The band may be segmented. Coloration is very variable and imitates Meiacanthus species.

Distribution

Indo-West Pacific: East Africa to Papua New Guinea, north to southern Japan, south to New Caledonia.

Habitat

A tropical marine species. Usually lives on coral reefs, depth ranges from 1 to 15 meters. Adults inhabit coastal reefs and estuaries. They can be found on coastal reefs and in lagoons, in sandy and weedy areas, among thickets of sargassum or other seaweed. They also find shelter and nests in narrow-necked bottles and abandoned worm tubes or shells.

Size

This species reaches a length of 11 centimeters (4.3 inches).

Behavior

They use their fangs for defense and will not hesitate to bite if touched, so predators avoid members of this genus.

Food and feeding habits

They feed on small crustaceans, diatoms, and possibly other plant material found in such aggregations. 

Reproduction

Eggs are bottom dwelling and adhesive, adhering to the substrate with a fibrous adhesive pad. The larvae are planktonic and are often found in shallow coastal waters. They mimic Meiacanthus grammistes, which, like all species of the genus, has a pair of large fangs with grooves on the lower jaw and associated venom glands. These bites are used for defense, and the Papuan species may also be an imitation of Meiacanthus vittatus.

Fishing

Fished for sale to aquariums.

Relationship with a person

Traumatizing to humans.