Entomacrodus nigricans Gill, 1859
Pearl blenny
Entomacrodus nigricans
photo by Johnson, L.

Family:  Blenniidae (Combtooth blennies), subfamily: Salariinae
Max. size:  10 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 6 m
Distribution:  Western Atlantic: Bermuda, southern Florida (USA), and Bahamas to northern South America.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 13-13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-15; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 15-17; Vertebrae: 34-34. Olivaceous with 7 short dark brown double bars on side of body and rows of small pale blue spots (Ref. 13442).
Biology:  Adults occur in intertidal areas (Ref. 31184), like tide pools, rocky slopes, and places where there are boulders on the bottom (Ref. 5521). Actively shuttle back and forth between rock-pools and air (Ref. 31184). They breathe air (Ref. 31184) and can remain out of water for up to 2 hours if kept moist (Ref. 51276). Feed mainly on algae (Ref. 13442). 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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