Puffcheek blenny
📖 Overview
Puffcheek blenny (Gobioclinus bucciferus) is a ray-finned fish of the family Labrisomidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in reef-associated environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 9 cm. It occurs at depths between 0 and 5 metres. With a trophic level of 3.8, it is a mid-level predator. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Commercially fished and consumed as food.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 19 - 21; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10 - 12; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 19 - 21. Brown with 5 irregular dark brown bars on body, the anterior 3 of which extend basally into dorsal fin; no black spot on opercle; two dark brown dots or short lines posterior to eye; females with numerous dark dots in fins .: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Puffcheek blenny is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 5 m . Tropical; 32°N - Central America (and probably northern South America).
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Puffcheek blenny is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18.4 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 88 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Puffcheek blenny has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labrisomus bucciferus | Poey | 1868 | Synonym |
| Labrosomus bucciferus | Poey | 1868 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 34 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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