SCALY BLENNIES
LABRISOMIDAE
Dusky Blenny
Malacoctenus  gilli
    Ecological Descriptors
Habitat Size (cm) Diet Behaviour Sex 
R, S (Co) 7.5 Cru, Wor Ter F
Description:
The male's colouration is variable, from entirely black to reddish above and greenish below with dark body bars. Female have bars, dark spots, and some dark blotches behind the eye and on the cheek. Both have horizontal rows of small pale spots, giving a striped effect. There is a round dark spot at the rear of the spinous dorsal fin,(may have blue spot and extends onto body), partly on the fin and partly on the body, and another dark spot (semi-circular) near the front of the spinous dorsal fin, again extending onto the dorsum.

Antigua Note:
Also seen on shallow coral reefs and periphery in Antigua, in addition to the general notes below.

Ecology
Often inhabits sandy substrata with rocks or boulders but can be found in a variety of habitats from the shoreline to a depth of 5m/ 20ft, seagrass beds, and patch reefs. It is cryptically colored and difficult to see. It can be found in association with Condylactis sea anemones. It does not show any signs of being stung upon entering or leaving the anemone. This fish remains close to its refuge. It is preyed upon by the Trumpetfish Aulostomus maculatus.

Life Cycle
Lays eggs in the benthos. Larvae have a pelagic phase before reaching maturity..
Dusky Blenny
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