Hairy blenny
📖 Overview
Diurnal, bottom-dwelling species which occur in rocky and rubble shores with algal mats, reefs and seagrass beds. Generally at depths of a few cm . Usually seen resting in holes or crevices, and when disturbed quickly move to another crevice. This species is the largest of the labrisomids in the Caribbean region . Feed mainly on crustaceans and gastropods , brittle stars, sea urchins, fishes and polychaete worms . Oviparous, spawn in territories and exhibit paternal care of eggs . Larvae are pelagic which eventually settle down at the bottom as juveniles .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 18 - 19; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11 - 13; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 18 - 19; Vertebrae: 11 - 13. Diagonal transverse row of cirri on a fleshy base on upper posterior part of each side of head; with 4 irregular dark brown bars; pale edged black spot on opercle; often a dark spot at front of dorsal fin; adult males with red on lower part of head, chest and abdomen . Robust, with a sharply pointed or sub obtuse head. Anterior nare is tubular and with an apical lid that prevents the penetration of sand particles .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Hairy blenny is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Exhibits paternal care. Mating begins with three stages of courtship: 1) attraction and identification of prospective mate; 2) arousal and appeasement by nudging (the female initiates this move); 3) synchrony occurs when the female starts to rub the rocky wall in the spawning territory, quivering her body against the rock, shaking her anal fin and keeping her dorsal fin erect, the male meanwhile remained perpendicular, biting the sides of the female's body, dorsal fin and upper side of head, and sometimes rubbing her body laterally with his tail. Release of eggs and sperm follows as the male and female bodies quiver. Nest fanning by the male parent comes after this range of display. Driven out by the male, the female moves away from the spawning area while the male continues to patrol the nest, swimming in circular direction and defending the area against other fish. Each cycle lasts for 65.3 seconds, becoming shorter in duration when there are two females involved in the mating event. One cycle is followed by another after the male has returned from patrolling the nest .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory ; depth range 0 - 10 m , usually 0 - 5 m . Tropical; 34°N - 34°S, 100°W - 11°E West Africa south to equatorial Guinea (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
crustaceans and gastropods (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Hairy 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 | 19.1 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 128 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Hairy 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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