Ophioblennius trinitatis

Classification (WoRMS)

Full classification as recorded by WoRMS: Kingdom: Animalia · Phylum: Chordata · Class: Teleostei · Order: Blenniiformes · Family: Blenniidae · Genus: Ophioblennius.

Accepted name: Ophioblennius trinitatis · Authority: Miranda Ribeiro, 1919 · Taxonomic status: accepted · AphiaID: 273127.

Source: World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS) — https://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=273127 (CC BY 4.0). Accessed 2026-09-25.

Biology and life history (FishBase)

Measured values published by FishBase for Ophioblennius trinitatis. Only fields the database actually holds for this species are shown; these are database values, not aquarium guidance.

Maximum length: 5.630000114440918 cm · Depth range: 0–53 m · Habitat zone: reef-associated · Body shape: elongated · Vulnerability index: 10 of 100 · Aquarium trade: never/rarely.

FishBase notes: On several occasions, this species was observed being aggressive towards other Blenniidae species and fighting with them for shelter (Ref. 80496). Oviparous. Eggs are demersal and adhesive (Ref. 205), and are attached to the substrate via a filamentous, adhesive pad or pedestal (Ref. 94114). Larvae are planktonic, often found in shallow, coastal waters (Ref. 94114).

Source: FishBase species summary (SpecCode 63067) — https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Ophioblennius-trinitatis.html (CC BY-NC 3.0 — non-commercial use only). Accessed 2026-09-25.

Distribution and occurrence records (GBIF)

2,994 georeferenced occurrence records for Ophioblennius trinitatis are published through GBIF from 1 countries or marine areas. The map above plots 23 distinct locations from a sample of 2,994 records, omitting 7 inland records that carry an institution's coordinates rather than a collection site; it shows where the species has been observed and reported, not a modelled range.

Most records by country or area: Brazil (2,993).

The full country table, WoRMS marine regions and the sampling notes are on this species' Distribution page.

Source: GBIF Occurrence Search (taxonKey 2395285) — https://www.gbif.org/occurrence/search?taxon_key=2395285&has_coordinate=true (records CC0 / CC BY); WoRMS distribution records (MarineRegions) — https://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=273127 (CC BY 4.0); Natural Earth 110m basemap — https://www.naturalearthdata.com/ (public domain). Accessed 2026-09-25.

Conservation status (IUCN Red List)

The IUCN Red List assesses Ophioblennius trinitatis Miranda Ribeiro, 1919 as Least Concern (code LC). No trend, population estimate or threat analysis is given here, because none is available from this source without the Red List API; follow the source link for the full assessment, including its date.

Source: IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (taxon 185191) — https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/185191/0; GBIF IUCN Red List category endpoint (taxonKey 2395285) — https://api.gbif.org/v1/species/2395285/iucnRedListCategory. Accessed 2026-09-25.

Description and natural history (Wikipedia)

This species reaches a length of 5.6 cm SL.

Anatomy and morphology

Combtooth blennies are small, scaleless fish that are characterized by comb-like teeth in the jaw. A single row of comb-like teeth are found on the dentary and premaxilla but are absent on the palatine bone. In addition to comb-like teeth, many combtooth blennies have recurved, fang-like caniniform teeth at the rear end of each dentary.

Ophioblennius trinitatis have a blunt head and large eyes positioned high on the head. A blue coloration borders each eye and a dark-brown spot, similar in size to the diameter of the pupil, is located after the eyeball.

The anatomy of Ophioblennius trinitatis differs from other species of Ophioblennius in that it has 22 segmented dorsal-fin rays and 23 segmented anal-fin rays. This species reaches a length of 5.6 cm SL.

Adult Ophioblennius trinitatis have a homogenous brown color pattern with pale yellow fins. In stressful situations, the color pattern changes to a mix of irregular bands that alternate between dark and light. Juveniles, however, are bicolored: the anterior half is an olive green, while the posterior half is yellow.

Habitat

Ophioblennius trinitatis are commonly found in intertidal habitats and tropical coral reefs of Brazil at depths of up to 53 meters. Although adult Ophioblennius trinitatis are restricted to shallow waters, dwelling among rocks and corals, larvae can be found in deep waters. Ophioblennius trinitatis prefer areas with substrate of high structural complexity and ample hiding places.

Feeding behavior

Ophioblennius trinitatis are primary consumers; their diet consists of detritus, turf algae, filamentous algae, red calcareous algae, ascidians, and a variety of invertebrates. Ophioblennius trinitatis are able to co-exist with other species by feeding more often in the morning than in the afternoon, an example of a resource partitioning strategy.

Juveniles feed more often than adults due to the higher energy demand required of development. Larger Ophioblennius trinitatis have a lower feeding rate because they spend more time patrolling feeding and breeding territories.

Behavior

Ophioblennius trinitatis are diurnal and territorial herbivores. They are aggressive towards other fish when fighting for resources. Ophioblennius trinitatis respond differently depending on the species of fish that intrudes their territory. They employ agonistic displays when interacting with other highly territorial species that share similar habitat and food preferences.

Ophioblennius trinitatis rarely have intraspecific agonistic interactions. Instead, they demonstrate intraspecific symbiotic sharing of territories in order to improve territory defense and minimize the energy cost of agonistic behavior.

Larger individuals of Ophioblennius trinitatis are more aggressive because they defend larger territories, which experience more frequent intruders.

Ophioblennius trinitatis also have more agonistic interactions when competing over refuge places (i.e. crevices).

Ophioblennius trinitatis are oviparous and have a year-long reproductive period. Additionally, the spawning and settlement of Ophioblennius trinitatis is seasonal and follows lunar periodicity.

Source: Wikipedia: Ophioblennius trinitatis — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ophioblennius_trinitatis (CC BY-SA 4.0). Accessed 2026-09-25.