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

Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
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. 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.[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.
  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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