Hirculops cornifer (Rüppell, 1830)
Highbrow rockskipper
Hirculops cornifer
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Blenniidae (Combtooth blennies), subfamily: Salariinae
Max. size:  6 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: Red Sea south to Pondoland, South Africa. Likely at Seychelles (Ref. 1623). Also reported from Persian Gulf (Ref. 68964).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 18-21; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 20-23. Dark spot between membranes of 1st 2 dorsal spines; females with spotted anal fin, uniformly dusky in males; body banded and spotted; 2 dusky spots anterior to pelvic fins (Ref. 4404).
Biology:  Oviparous. Eggs are demersal and adhesive (Ref. 205), and are attached to the substrate via a filamentous, adhesive pad or pedestal (Ref. 94114). Larvae are planktonic, often found in shallow, coastal waters (Ref. 94114).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 27 March 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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