Hypsoblennius hentz (Lesueur, 1825)
Feather blenny
Hypsoblennius hentz
photo by Crippen, C.

Family:  Blenniidae (Combtooth blennies), subfamily: Salariinae
Max. size:  10 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine
Distribution:  Western Atlantic: New Jersey (occasionally Nova Scotia in Canada) to Texas, including southern Florida in USA.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 11-13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-16; Anal spines: 2-2. Gill opening extending ventrally to opposite 7th-11th pectoral-fin ray; segmented dorsal-fin rays 13-16; segmented pelvic-fin rays 3; last dorsal-fin spine 8.5-15.5% SL; dorsal-fin spines robust and stiff; no elongate fleshy flap present posteriorly on lower lip; infraorbital bones 5-5; upper lip without free dorsal margin extending around snout; fleshy lobes of lower lip almost linear in lateral view and separated anterioventrally by a broad smooth area; bony interorbital width comparatively wider; dark spot usually present in spinous dorsal fin and centered on second spine; mandibular pores 4.
Biology:  Adults inhabit oyster reefs and rocky shores. 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: 18 October 2007 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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