DEDICATION

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

ZOOGEOGRAPHY

ECOLOGY

BIOLOGY AND BEHAVIOR

VALUE OF FISH RESOURCES

CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT

DANGEROUS MARINE FISHES

HOW TO USE THIS BOOK

BIBLIOGRAPHY

SPECIES INDEX

CHAMORRO NAMES

BLENNIIDAE (BLENNIES)

Aspidontus taeniatus (Quoy & Gaimard)
(Cleaner Mimic; Machin)
SL: to 10 cm (photo: 7 cm SL, Apra Harbor, 7 m)

The Cleaner Mimic takes advantage of its resemblance to the Cleaner Wrasse Labroides dimidiatus (p. 95,C) to approach fishes expecting to be cleaned, but it surprises these fish by ripping off pieces of fins, scales, and skin instead.  Most adult fish learn to distinguish between cleaner and mimic and avoid the latter, but juveniles are often victimized.  Examination of the mouth, which is at the tip of the snout in the cleaner but under the snout in the mimic, will distinguish the two.  The mimic also feeds on small worms and lives in abandoned worm tubes and other narrow holes where it lays its eggs and often rests with only its head protruding.

INDO-PACIFIC: Red Sea to the Tuamotus, Line Is., and Marquesas, n. to s. Japan, s. to New South Wales, Australia.