Malacoctenus boehlkei Springer, 1959
Diamond blenny
Malacoctenus boehlkei
photo by Itriago, H.

Family:  Labrisomidae (Labrisomids)
Max. size:  6.4 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 5 - 70 m
Distribution:  Western Central Atlantic: Bahamas and Virgin Islands south to Bonaire and west to Belize.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 21-22; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-13; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 20-23. Upper side has series of dark blotches; lower side has series of diamond-shaped markings (Ref. 26938). Males light brown, finely spotted with white, with an upper row of seven irregular dark-edged brown blotches and a lower row of ten smaller brown blotches of irregular diamond shape with pale centers; females have brownish orange blotches instead of dark brown (Ref. 13442).
Biology:  Inhabit patch reefs or other deeper water coral formations. Usually associated with Condylactis gigantea (Ref. 9710).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 18 October 2007 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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