Hypleurochilus pseudoaequipinnis
Ecological Descriptors |
Habitat |
Size (cm) |
Diet |
Behaviour |
Sex |
Man, (R) harbour structures - see below |
7.5 |
Cru, Hyd, Bry |
Ter |
F |
Notes
This species had not previously been officially recorded in the Lesser Antilles (includes Antigua), unlike the similar Orangespotted Blenny (H. springeri).
Description:
The head is large and blunt. The body is elongate and compressed. Nostril with a simple cirrus plus a single cirrus with 4-15 branches over eye.
Males are greenish-grey with small orange spots on upper body and females have 5-6 square blotches on upper side, each composed of 4 dark spots overlaid by orange dots. Both sexes lack orange dots on head. Dark spot at front of dorsal fin, a dark spot on the base of the pectoral fins, a dark spot at the base of the tail fin. Orange spots on tail fin. There is a row of dark spots along the anal base. Ocellus may be noticeable on operculum below eyeline.
One distinguishing feature differentiating this from the similar Orangespotted Blenny (H. springeri) is the difference is in the iris rays, Oysters have orange iris rays narrower than the pale rays, in Orangespotteds this is revered.
Ecology
In most of the Caribbean, adults occur in mangroves, pilings and rocky shores, often in silty water (cf Florida region where they are found in"cleaner water (B Victor pers comm). Found at shallow depths, usually below 2m (6ft). The similar Orangespotted Blenny (H. springeri) tends to be found on cleaner reefs etc as a heuristic guide. They feed on crustaceans, hydroids, bryozoans and pelecypods. Oviparous.
Life Cycle
Oviparous, distinct pairing. Eggs are demersal and adhesive and are attached to the substrate via a filamentous, adhesive pad or pedestal. Larvae are planktonic, often found in shallow, coastal waters
Atlantic Oyster Blenny
Atlantic Oyster Blenny (female)
Atlantic Oyster Blenny (male)
Atlantic Oyster Blenny
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