Uncombed blenny

📖 Overview

Uncombed blenny (Haptoclinus apectolophus) is a ray-finned fish of the family Labrisomidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in deep-water environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 2.5 cm. It occurs at depths between 174 and 366 metres. With a trophic level of 3.2, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Data Deficient on the IUCN Red List.

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 18; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 20; Vertebrae: 37. Common amongst Labrisomids: small, often elongate fishes; largest species about 20 cm standard length, most under 10 cm standard length. Head usually with cirri or fleshy flaps on anterior nostrils, eyes, and laterally on nape; gill membranes continuous with each other across posteroventral surface of head. Each jaw with an outer row of relatively large, canine-like or incisor-like teeth, often with patches of smaller teeth behind; teeth usually also present on vomer and often on palatines (roof of mouth). Dorsal and anal fins long, frequently highest anteriorly; dorsal-fin spines often flexible, outnumbering segmented dorsal-fin soft rays; 2 usually flexible spines in anal fin; pelvic fins inserted anterior to pectoral-fin bases, with 1 spine not visible externally and only 2 or 3 segmented rays; all fin rays, including those of caudal, unbranched (simple). Cycloid (smooth to touch) scales present at least posteriorly on body. Body coloration: varying from drab to brilliant hues; usually with irregular vertical bands, spots, or marbled pattern. Species distinguished by: no lateral-line tubes or canals on body; dorsal fin consisting of spines and 7 to 37 segmented rays. This species differs H. dropi in having 31 dorsal-fin elements (vs. 29), the differences occurring in the third spinous dorsal finlet and soft dorsal fin (III-I-XIII, 12 in H. dropi , III-I-XIII, 14 or III-I-XIV, 13 in H. apectolophus); this species have much more pigment on the ventral portion of the body than there is dorsally, and there are no obvious internal or external blotches of pigment; the first dorsal finlet is uniformly dark and both the spinous and soft parts of the dorsal fin are peppered with fine melanophores in no apparent pattern; basal three-quarters of anal fin are heavily and uniformly pigmented, and the distal quarter is pale; caudal and pectoral fins lack melanophores; fleshly flap extending from anterior margin and covering anterior half of nostril; body depth 17.9% SL, at fourth dorsal spine and depth at caudal peduncle 9.1% SL .: elongated; Cross section: oval.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Uncombed blenny is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

🥚 Reproduction

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; benthopelagic; depth range 174 - 366 m . Deep-water Central Atlantic: NW Carribean, Arrowsmith Bank, off the Yucatan Peninsula.

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🌐 Names & Taxonomy

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

🗺️ Global Occurrence Map

Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 1 records indexed .

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