SCALY BLENNIES
LABRISOMIDAE
Hairy Blenny
Labrisomus nuchipinnis
    Ecological Descriptors
Habitat Size (cm) Diet Behaviour Sex 
R, S (Co) 22 Cru, Wor, Mol, Ech Ter F
Description:
Broad head with branched cirri over eyes.
Highly variable dark, white ringed ocellus on gill. This ring is complete and unbroken, unlike in the similar Mock and Maquerader Blennies ( L. cricota/ conditus). Unbranched fin rays.
Color is highly variable, light colors with
brown bars that extend on the dorsal fin but do not reach the edge.  Nuptial males can very from yellow & green to black with red heads . Small pale spotted patterns along body. Dark blotch at front of dorsal fin (except in small juveniles).

Ecology
Reef associated fish with no migratory tendencies. Diurnal, bottom-dwelling species that rests among rocks and crevices on reefs, from 0 to 21 m (0-60ft), but most typically < 3 m (<10ft).

Prefer reefs, seagrass beds, rocky and rubble shores with algal mats, often found sheltering in crevices or holes. Reef-associated carnivores preying on primarily gastropods and crustaceans, but also fish, sea urchins, polychaete worms and brittle stars. Sedentary feeding strategy, fish remains motionless and 'pounces' on prey when near. May adjust their colour pattern camouflaging with their surrounding environment.

Life Cycle:
An oviparous fish that spawns in territories. Reproduces all year but reproduction is elevated during summer. The eggs are demersal and adhere to the side of rocks covered in algae. Prior to adhesion these rocks are cleaned by the males. Males care for the eggs. The eggs are defended by the males as the females are driven away in a display of paternal care. Larvae then live pelagically and as they mature settle down on the rocks and sea-floor. Sexually dimorphic during breeding season.






Hairy Blenny
Hairy Blenny
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(C) J Feitosa