Spikefin glass blenny

📖 Overview

Dark males photographed in holes in both live and dead corals, of several species and of different morphologies, including holes embedded among encrusting sponges. The IP individuals are mostly photographed on live coral substrate . Depth range given by B. Victor (pers. comm. 10/18).

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 19 - 21; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10 - 12; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 19 - 21. This species is diagnosed by the following characters: TP territorial males found in holes with a black head and blackened anterior dorsal fin with a distal red band over a narrow white band and a thin white margin; first spine very long, when adpressed reaching to 8th-15th, equal or more than HL up ti 27% SL, second spine usually about 1/2-2/3 of first, third spine about 1/3-1/2 of first, the tenth spine at most 1/2 of first, anterior dorsal fin profile with a deep concavity since third and fourth spines are well shorter than subsequent spines . Dark-shaded and pale TP with a similarly long first dorsal-fin spine and red band, sometimes several single scattered dark spots on the anterior spinous-dorsal-fin membranes, but not in a row; absence of opercular bands or lines, and of dark spots along lateral midline or above lateral midline . IP has an elongated first two dorsal-fin spines, the first reaching to base of 6th-8th spine base when adpressed, the second slightly shorter, and the third half of first (earlier IP and juvenile with less elongate spines). Colouration: live colors include red, orange, and pink; cranial pattern with bands that are progressively breaking up and additional spots filling in: band 1 usually with two red spots; band 2 indistinct, with a few red spots and not a Y-shape; band 3 is most prominent, with thick red arms of a U breaking up into spots; band 4 thin and pale and pushed aside by red spots; band 5 with thick red segments; later pattern with red spots expanded to form a mosaic; IP head spots are dark and usually full complement; melanophores are near pectoral-fin base usually one to three spots, anterior spot often elongated obliquely .: elongated; Cross section: oval.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Spikefin glass blenny is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Spikefin glass blenny is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Reproduction data for Spikefin glass blenny is currently being compiled.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; reef-associated; depth range 5 - 15 m. Tropical Central Atlantic: Hispaniola and the nothern Lesser Antilles.

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

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