Haliophis guttatus (Forsskål, 1775) African eel blenny |
photo by
Randall, J.E. |
Family: | Pseudochromidae (Dottybacks), subfamily: Congrogadinae | |||
Max. size: | 15.5 cm TL (male/unsexed) | |||
Environment: | reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 15 m | |||
Distribution: | Western Indian Ocean: Red Sea to the northern Gulf of Aden, southern Oman, and the east coast of Africa between Kenya and Mozambique, and the west coast of Madagascar. | |||
Diagnosis: | Dorsal spines (total): 2-2; Dorsal soft rays (total): 41-46; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 33-39. Second dorsal spine imbedded in the flesh and visible only in X-ray or cleared and stained material. Preopercular pores 7; median posterior interorbital pore absent. Shoulder with a dark, ocellated spot. Fused fill membranes and isthmus. | |||
Biology: | Found in shallow reefs, in areas with rock and rubble (Ref. 9710). | |||
IUCN Red List Status: | Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 12 August 2019 Ref. (130435) | |||
Threat to humans: | harmless |