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| Phylum Chordata > Subphylum Vertebrata > fishes > Family Pseudochromidae |
| Carpet
eel-blenny Congrogadus subducens Family Pseudochromidae updated Aug 10
Where seen? This snake-like fish is commonly seen on many of our shores, among coral rubble and near seagrasses. Most are well camouflaged and are thus often overlooked. Big ones trapped in small pools at low tide, especially, usually hide deep under coral rubble with perhaps only a bit of their tail sticking out. But small ones may be seen swimming about in larger pools among seagrass or coral rubble. What are carpet eel-bleenies? Often mistaken for a snake, this fish is not even an eel! It belongs to the Family Pseudochromidae (also called Dottybacks). According to FishBase: The family has 16 genera and 98 species. Most are live in the Indo-Pacific Ocean. Many of the other members of the family are smaller and a lot shorter (about 10cm long or less), and some are very colourful. Carpet eel-blennies belong to the subfamily Congrogadinae (they were previously in a separate family Congrogadidae). Features: Up to 30cm long, those seen are about 10-15cm long. Body cylindrical, somewhat flattened sideways, tapering to an eel-like tail, with the dorsal, anal and tail fins continous. Unlike true eels, it has pectoral fins and scales. Large mouth with thick lips, and large eyes near the top of the head. Being long and narrow, the fish can easily squirm through tight openings and hide in crevices. Its floral markings add to its camouflage. It can also change its colours. Besides the more commonly seen greenish ones, colours seen include brown, black, bright green and even bluish ones. Sometimes mistaken for sea snakes or eels (Family Muraenidae). Here's more on how to tell apart sea snakes, eels and eel-like animals. What does it eat? The Carpet eel-blenny preys on small fish, crabs and shrimps. It usually hunts alone. Eel-blenny babies: Carpet eel-blennies lay their eggs in small clumps. Human uses: Although large, the Carpet eel-blenny is not eaten by people. It is, however, harvested from the wild for the live aquarium trade and sold as "wolf eels". But they are not the most popular aquarium fish, as they tend to eat their tankmates. Status and threats: Other dottybacks are more popular in the aquarium trade. Harvesting may involve the use of cyanide or blasting, which damage the habitat and kill many other creatures. Like other fish and creatures harvested from the sea, most die before they can reach the retailers. Without professional care, most die soon after they are sold. Those that do survive are unlikely to breed successfully. Like other creatures of the intertidal zone, they are affected by human activities such as reclamation and pollution. Poaching by hobbyists also have an impact on local populations. |
 Often lurking among living soft corals. Pulau Hantu, Aug 04  To chomp on passing fishes! Sisters Island, Aug 09  Small ones 10cm or less often seen too. Labrador, May 02  They come in a wide range of colours. Chek Jawa, Oct 01 |
Often mistaken for an eel or snake, it is actually a harmless
fish.
 Sisters Island, Jul 04 |
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Carpet eel-blennies on Singapore shores
 Tuas, Apr 05 |
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more photos of carpet eel-blennies on Singapore shores
northern shores
southern shores part 1 | part 2 | part 3
| Family
Pseudochromidae recorded for Singapore from Wee Y.C. and Peter K. L. Ng. 1994. A First Look at Biodiversity in Singapore. *from Lim, Kelvin K. P. & Jeffrey K. Y. Low, 1998. A Guide to the Common Marine Fishes of Singapore.
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Periplus Editions. 292 pp.|
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