Blenniella gibbifrons (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824)
Hump-headed blenny
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Blenniidae (Combtooth blennies), subfamily: Salariinae
Max. size:  12 cm SL (male/unsexed); 9 cm SL (female)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 4 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: East Africa to the Hawaiian, Line and Ducie Islands, north to Marcus Island.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 12-13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 18-20; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 20-21. Body with 6-7 irregular bands (Ref. 4404). Dark spot present distally on anterior part of dorsal fin; females with dark spots on vertical fins, males more evenly colored (Ref. 4404).
Biology:  Inhabit shallow shore line water of intertidal reef flats from 0.5 to 1.5 m depth where the substrate consists of a thin carpet of algal turf and sand (Ref. 205). Benthic (Ref. 58302). 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: 24 March 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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