Carpet Eel Blenny
Congrogadus subducens
This member of the Dottyback (Pseudochromidae) family is relatively large and eel-like. Colour varies from dark to tan brown or greenish overall with several rows of diffuse pale spots running the length of the body and a dark elongated blotch on the gill cover.
Morphology
This is the largest species in the family Pseudochromidae, reaching 45 cm. The dorsal, caudal and anal fins are joined together to form a continuous fringe around the body, and the large lips are also a diagnostic feature.
Evolution
There are six species currently recognised in the genus Congrogadus. They were formerly included in the family Congrogadidae; but this group was subsequently incorporated as a subfamily of Pseudochromidae, which contains just over 150 species.
Behaviour
A secretive species that is seldom seen away from the cover of rocks, rubble or reef crevices.
Habitat
Marine/Estuarine
Inhabits rock and rubble in shallow coastal marine or brackish estuarine waters. Also occurs on coral reefs.
Distribution
Indo-West Pacific, from the Nicobar Islands and southern Japan to northern Australia.
Life Cycle
Oviparous
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Pseudochromidae |
| Subfamily: | Congrogadinae |
| Genus: | Congrogadus |
| Species: | subducens |
| Name Published Year: | 1843 |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name Authorship: | Richardson |
| Commercial Impact: | None |
| Conservation Assessment: | Least Concern |
Cite this page
Western Australian Museum Collections https://museum.wa.gov.au/online-collections/names/congrogadus-subducens
Accessed 8 May 2025
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