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Sarcastic Fringehead

Sarcastic fringehead are known for their uncharacteristically large mouths and sharp teeth that they use when defending their territories, showing their aggression, and intimidating potential threats.  

 

Sarcastic fringehead are found in shallow waters along the coast of Northern California to Northern Mexico. They prefer to live on the sea floor, making a home inside empty shells or clam burrows. They may even take up residence in human-made objects such as sunken traffic cones or bottles. These fish are the largest member in the tube-blenny family, able to reach around 30 centimeters (almost 1 foot) in length. While mostly greyish-brown, with either dull red or green patches, the wavy, fringe-like appendages on their head provide striking adornment. This, combined with their extremely large mouths and razor-sharp teeth, gives the sarcastic fringehead a very distinct appearance!  

Their mouth and teeth aren’t just for show. Sarcastic fringeheads are exceptionally territorial and will guard their homes, with the help of their mouths and teeth, from any intruders and challengers, regardless of their size. These fish have even been known to attack humans when they intrude on their home territory! When spawning, females lay their eggs in a burrow, and the male will guard them ferociously until they hatch. Their enormous jaws also help these fish consume relatively large prey compared to their body size. While little specifically is known about their diet, these fish are omnivores and eat small invertebrates like crabs and amphipods. 

 

 

The sarcastic fringehead doesn’t have any major threats that have been identified, and they are considered a species of “Least Concern” by the IUCN. It is known to live in marine protected areas and may benefit from conservation measures in these places. 

 

 

The continued creation of protected marine areas may benefit the sarcastic fringehead and other species found along California and Mexico’s coasts. Learn more about how Oceana works to protect marine habitats across the globe and how you can help here. 

 

 

 

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