Smooth Sabretooth Blenny

Petroscirtes xestus

The Smooth Sabretooth Blenny, known scientifically as Petroscirtes xestus, is a small reef-associated fish found in the Indo-Pacific region. It inhabits coral reefs from East Africa to the Line and Society Islands, extending north to the Mariana Islands and south to the southern Great Barrier Reef. This species prefers shallow waters, typically found at depths ranging from 0 to 12 meters, although it can be encountered as deep as 20 meters. This blenny is characterized by its elongated body and a tall dorsal fin with 10 to 11 spines and 14 to 16 soft rays. Below its chin, it has small tufts that distinguish it from similar species such as P. thepassii and P. variabilis. The Smooth Sabretooth Blenny reaches a maximum length of about 7.5 cm. Divers may spot these blennies over sandy areas of reef flats and shallow lagoons, where they often occur solitarily. In terms of reproduction, the Smooth Sabretooth Blenny is oviparous, with distinct pairing during the breeding season. Females lay eggs in empty mollusk shells, which are attached to the substrate with a filamentous adhesive pad. The larvae are planktonic and typically found in shallow coastal waters. The conservation status of this species is classified as Least Concern.