Hypsoblennius invemar Smith-Vaniz & Acero P., 1980
Tessellated blenny
Hypsoblennius invemar
photo by Cox, C.D.

Family:  Blenniidae (Combtooth blennies), subfamily: Salariinae
Max. size:  5.8 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 1 - 5 m
Distribution:  Western Atlantic: Louisiana, USA and the Gulf of Mexico (Ref. 13628) to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Ref. 57756).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-12; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 14-14. Head and usually pectoral fin base have orange spots on dark background. Black spot on side of head behind eye (Ref. 26938). Gill opening extending ventrally to below level of ventralmost pectoral-fin ray; segmented dorsal-fin rays 11 or 12; segmented pelvic-fin rays 4; last dorsal-fin spine 3.7 to 7.5% SL (Ref. 10696).
Biology:  Adults live in attached, empty barnacle shells in clear waters, usually on pilings, buoys and rock ledges at or near surface. Recorded from oil platforms. 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).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 18 October 2007 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


Source and more info: www.fishbase.org. For personal, classroom, and other internal use only. Not for publication.