Spinyhead Blenny, scientifically known as Acanthemblemaria spinosa, is a type of fish found in the tropical western Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
These fish lives in small reefs surrounded by white sand.
They are mostly seen on dead surfaces of elkhorn coral, but more males than females live on live coral surfaces.
Males are found twice as often as females in empty tubes made by worms or mollusks because these provide better places to lay eggs.
Spinyhead blenny mainly eats planktonic calanoid copepods and is safe for coral reefs.
Spinyhead Blenny Interesting Facts
- Spinyhead blenny, found in the tropical western Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, mainly eats planktonic calanoid copepods and is safe for coral reefs.
- Males are twice as likely to be found in empty worm or mollusk tubes, which provide better egg-laying spots.
- This marine fish thrives in reef environments at depths of 1 to 12 meters.
- Reaching maturity at around 0.7 inches (1.8 cm), the spinyhead blenny can grow up to 1.2 inches (3.1 centimeters) long.
Spinyhead Blenny Habitat
Spinyhead blenny is found in the western central Atlantic region.
Its habitat ranges from the Bahamas and Florida to Curaçao, including the Caribbean and Antilles.
This marine fish lives in reef environments at depths of 1 to 12 meters.
It thrives in tropical areas with a latitude of 20°N to 7°N and a longitude of 177°W to 58°W.
| Water Temperature: | Unknown |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Spinyhead Blenny Physical Characteristics
Size: 1.2 inches (3.1 centimeters)
Spinyhead blenny reaches maturity at around 0.7 inches (1.8 cm) in length and grows up to 1.2 inches (3.1 centimeters) long.
This fish has 20 to 22 dorsal spines, 13 to 16 dorsal soft rays, two anal spines, and 21 to 25 anal soft rays.
Spinyhead Blenny Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Blenniiformes |
| Family: | Chaenopsidae |
| Genus: | Acanthemblemaria |
| Scientific Name: | Acanthemblemaria spinosa |
| Also Known As: | Spinyhead Blenny |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |