Malacoctenus macropus (Poey, 1868)
Rosy blenny
Malacoctenus macropus
photo by Wirtz, P.

Family:  Labrisomidae (Labrisomids)
Max. size:  5.5 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 8 m
Distribution:  Western Atlantic: Bermuda, southern Florida (USA), Bahamas, and Yucatan (Mexico) to northern South America.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 21-22; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-11; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 20-21. No conspicuous spots or ocelli. It is the only member of its genus that does not have a conspicuous color pattern (Ref. 26938). Female with irregular brown blotches dorsally on body, uniformly speckled with small whitish spots, the dorsal fin with many small dark reddish spots; postorbital head and body of males covered with small red spots and blotches; no dark spots in dorsal fin (Ref. 13442).
Biology:  Occurs in a wide variety of shoreline habitats and patch reefs (Ref. 9710). Found in sponge beds in shallow waters and grassy areas (Ref. 26938).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 04 February 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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