Blenniella chrysospilos (Bleeker, 1857)
Red-spotted blenny
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Blenniidae (Combtooth blennies), subfamily: Salariinae
Max. size:  13 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 6 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: east coast of Africa to the Society Islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to about 24°S.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 20-21; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 21-22. Distinctive coloration of the head (Ref. 48636).
Biology:  Adults inhabit clear coastal reef flats, often in exposed habitats, common in outer intertidal reef flats and surge-swept seaward reef; usually where algal growth is prolific (Ref. 48636). They enter small holes, with just its head protruding. They feed on algae and associated detritus and small invertebrates. Oviparous. Eggs are demersal and adhesive (Ref. 205), and are attached to the substrate via a filamentous, adhesive pad or pedestal (Ref. 94114). Larvae are planktonic, often found in shallow, coastal waters (Ref. 94114). Minimum depth of 0 m reported from Ref. 90102.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 24 March 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:  Museum: Cocoro I., USNM 296012. Apo I., USNM 296015. Mindanao, Aliguay I., USNM 225130, 296011 (Ref. 9962). Also Ref. 1602.


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