| Alticus saliens | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Blenniidae |
| Genus: | Alticus |
| Species: | A. saliens |
Alticus saliens is a species of combtooth blenny found in the Pacific and Indian oceans.[1] It was first named by Lacepède in 1800,[1] and is commonly known as the Leaping blenny or the Jumping blenny.[2]
The Leaping blenny is unusual because it spends its entire adult life on land in intertidal zones in Micronesia. They can move quickly with a tail twisting motion, or can "leap" several times their own body length. The fish are very social at mid-tide, using visual displays to warn off competitors and attract mates. Although they must remain moist to breathe, the Leaping blenny avoids submersion by tide waters. During high and low tide, they find shelter in crevices in the rocky shores where they live.[3]