Paraclinus cingulatus (Evermann & Marsh, 1899)
Coral blenny
photo by April Franks / Smithsonian Institution, NMNH, Div. of Fishes

Family:  Labrisomidae (Labrisomids)
Max. size:  3 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine
Distribution:  Western Atlantic: southern Florida, USA and the Bahamas to the Greater Antilles and Honduras.
Diagnosis:  Anal spines: 2-2. 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; all fin rays, including those of caudal, unbranched (simple). Lateral-line tubes or canals varying from complete (extending entire length of body) to present only on anterior portion of body (absent in 1 species). 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: pectoral-fin soft rays usually 12; no scales on pectoral-fin base; pelvic fin with 1 spine and 2 soft rays; last dorsal-fin element spinous; nuchal cirrus present on both sides of nape; no median fleshy barbel on chin; dorsal-fin elements consisting either of spines only or spines and 1 segmented ray (Ref.52855).
Biology:  Occurs in pockets of coral rubble on reefs or in tide pools.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 18 October 2007 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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