| Family: |
Chaenopsidae (Pike-, tube- and flagblennies) |
| Max. size: |
2.52 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
benthopelagic; marine; depth range 10 - 12 m |
| Distribution: |
Western Atlantic: Venezuela. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 20-21; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-12; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 20-21. This species is distinguished by the following characters: with an orbital cirrus and a red banner (a set of 7 spp.); TP territorial males live in holes, with a black head and blackened anterior dorsal fin with a distal red band over a narrow white band and a thin white margin, the red band extending posteriorly to 5th-7th spinous membrane, curved down at front when erected in displaying TP, the narrow anterior flap variably present along first spine; with first 10 dorsal-fin spines relatively short and about equal length, the first spine reaching to 5th-6th spine base when adpressed, about half of HL, 11-12% SL; profile of anterior dorsal fin usually a straight line or slight concavity.
Colouration: TP dark-shaded and pale with a red-banded dorsal fin with irregular rows of larger dark spots along membranes of mid and posterior spinous-dorsal fin; the lower operculum and branchiostegal membranes with prominent narrow white lines alternating with wider rust-red or dark bands (= banded-operculum group of 3 spp.); row of discrete small dark spots along anterior lateral midline absent, uncommon with a row of dark spots along anterior upper body; transitional males have variably elongated anterior dorsal-fin spines with a distal red band over reticulated brown to orange bands on first three membranes.
IP with elongated first two dorsal-fin spines, often orange-tipped membranes, the first spine reaching to the base of 6th-9th spine base when adpressed, the second slightly shorter, third about 1/2 of first (earlier IP and juvenile with less elongate spines). Colouration: live colors include red, orange, and pink; cranial pattern not documented; IP head spots usually full complement; melanophores near pectoral-fin base typically form a long, thin, slightly oblique bar, usually followed by one or more spots (Ref. 125603). |
| Biology: |
Found in areas with dead colonies of Colpophyllia brain corals, and less than one meter deep at Los Roques. Occur in groups (Ref. 125603). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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