Dussumier's Rockskipper

Istiblennius dussumieri

Dussumier's Rockskipper (Istiblennius dussumieri) is a small tropical blenny that lives on wave-washed rocky shores. It clings to rocks in the intertidal zone and is usually of little angling interest.

Saltwater

Dussumier's Rockskipper reference image — Diego Delso, cc-by-sa, via Wikimedia Commons. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Identification points

Elongate blenny body with a blunt head and continuous dorsal fin
Mottled brown to olive coloration for camouflage on rock surfaces
Large pectoral fins and pelvic fins used to cling to rocks in surge zone

Habitat

Upper intertidal rocky reefs, tide pools, surge channels, and shallow shoreline rocks exposed to heavy wave action in tropical Indo-Pacific coasts.

Bait notes

Not a targeted game fish; if caught at all, small bits of shrimp, clam, or fish skin may take it on very light tackle. Tiny soft lures or bits of bait worked near rocks can produce incidental takes.

Behavior

A benthic grazer that feeds mainly on algae and tiny invertebrates scraped from rock surfaces. It stays close to crevices and rock faces, darting between cover in the wash zone.

Caution

Use caution on slippery wave-washed rocks; the species is small and not a food fish in most fisheries, so it is generally not targeted for consumption.

Fishing notes

Best viewed or sampled around low tide on exposed rocks rather than pursued as sport. If attempting capture, use very light hand nets or micro tackle near surge edges and release quickly to avoid stress.