Checkered blenny
📖 Overview
Checkered blenny (Starksia ocellata), first described by Steindachner, 1876 is a small fish in the family Labrisomidae (order Blenniiformes). Adults typically reach 6.00 cm in maximum length. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. Recorded depth range: 2 to 20 metres. It occurs in Tropical waters. It feeds on a mix of small fish and invertebrates as a mid-level predator. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Least Concern.The species is important as a food fish and considered a sustainable seafood option under current management. As a member of the Labrisomidae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 20 - 21; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7 - 9; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 16 - 18.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Checkered blenny is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 2 - 20 m . Tropical; 37°N - 24°N North Carolina to Florida in the USA.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Checkered 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 | 18.2 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 106 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Checkered 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
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | checkered blenny |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | sapito tablero |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinus ocellatus | Steindachner | 1876 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 6 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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