Piano Fangblenny

The Piano Fangblenny, scientifically known as Plagiotremus tapeinosoma, is a fascinating marine fish found in tropical waters. This species is typically associated with coral reefs and can be found at depths ranging from 1 to 45 meters (approximately 3 to 148 feet). The maximum length of a Piano Fangblenny is about 14 centimeters (around 5.5 inches).

Structurally, the fish has 7 to 9 dorsal spines, complemented by 34 to 39 dorsal soft rays, while its anal fin includes 2 spines and 28 to 33 soft rays. Distinctly, the fish is marked by a series of around 20 oblong segments forming a dark stripe along its midlateral side.

The natural habitat for adult Piano Fangblennies includes clear lagoon environments and seaward reefs, often favoring areas from the lower surge zone to deeper regions. Inhabitants of these zones, the fish have a unique defensive behavior: when threatened, they take refuge in abandoned worm tubes.

The diet of the Piano Fangblenny mainly consists of dermal tissue, mucus, and occasionally scales from other fish. These fish are known to engage in quick strikes, often targeting other fish from behind before swiftly retreating into the reef to avoid retribution. A distinctive aspect of their behavior includes harmless interactions with divers. Their swimming style, characterized by distinctive wriggling movements, may mimic that of other species that do not consume scales.

Reproduction in the Piano Fangblenny is oviparous, meaning they lay eggs. These eggs are demersal and sticky, being attached to the substrate by a filamentous pedestal. The larvae are planktonic, commonly found in shallow coastal waters.

Geographically, the Piano Fangblenny is distributed across the Indo-Pacific region. Its range extends from the 🌊 Red Sea and East Africa to the Line, Marquesan, and Tuamotu (🇵🇫 French Polynesia) Islands. The northernmost range includes southern 🇯🇵 Japan, and the southern range stretches to 🇳🇿 New Zealand and Rapa. In the Hawaiian Islands, it is replaced by a close relative, Plagiotremus goslinei.

The scientific name, Plagiotremus, is derived from Greek, combining "plagios" meaning oblique and "trema" meaning hole, which may relate to aspects of its physical or behavioral characteristics.