Scarface blenny
📖 Overview
Facultative air-breathing in the genus ; Benthic in coral and rock . The most common blenny on shallow reefs. Adults feed on benthic algae and detritus . Oviparous. Eggs are demersal and adhesive , and are attached to the substrate via a filamentous, adhesive pad or pedestal . Larvae are planktonic, often found in shallow, coastal waters .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13 - 15; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 15 - 16; Vertebrae: 30 - 31. Diagnosis: Dorsal fin XII, 14, membrane attached to caudal fin, with deep notch above last spine, first spine slightly higher than second; anal fin II, 15; pectoral rays 15; pelvic fin I, 4; caudal fin procurrent rays 10-12. Vertebrae 10 + 20. LL, without scales but with scalelike flaps; LL tubes 0-5, canal ends below 7th dorsal ray and caudal-fin base. Lower lip smooth mesially, plicate laterally. Upper lip crenulae 42-54. Gill rakers 23-30. Cephalic pore system complex; midsnout pores present. Cirri, supraorbital 9-22, nasal 7-23; nuchal 31-42, in 2 groups with ventralmost cirri borne on small nuchal flap. Adults with brown body; red spots or narrow lines on snout and around the eye; black iris with yellow-ringed pupil and an outer bright reddish orange ring .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: oval.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Scarface blenny is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Oviparous, distinct pairing . Urogenital orifice of male genital papilla located basally between 2 closely appressed slender filaments on a fleshy swelling behind anus; testes bulbous with length equal its width .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 10 m . Tropical; 25°N - 15°N Central Pacific: Hawaiian and Johnston islands.
🌿 Ecology
benthic algae and detritus (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Scarface blenny.
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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