Colours

Distinguishing features

A small greyish fish with irregular rows of white and brown spots along the sides. Males in breeding colouration have a dark head and a bright blue and orange spot on the throat. Found resting on the top of coral heads.

Size

Depth range

Synonyms

Distribution

Distribution and habitat preferences

Tops of massive Porites coral heads in shallow water.

Found in most reef habitats around the island not exposed to heavy wave action.

Behaviour

The Whitespotted Blenny lives in small family groups on top of prominant coral heads and bommies. They rest on the pectoral fins in between bouts of feeding and chasing each other around the territory. These fishes are mainly detritivores, combing small particles of organic material from the turf algae found inside the damselfish territories of Ward's Damsel and the Dusky Gregory, which typically farm algae on the tops of the bommies favoured by the blenny. When the males are breeding they indulge is vigorous displays which included much bobbing and flashing of the colourful throat patches.

Web resources

References