Labrisomus nuchipinnis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824)
Hairy blenny
Labrisomus nuchipinnis
photo by Wirtz, P.

Family:  Labrisomidae (Labrisomids)
Max. size:  23 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 10 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Western Atlantic: Bermuda, Florida (USA), Bahamas, and northern Gulf of Mexico to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Ref. 13628). Eastern Atlantic: Madeira (Ref. 13612), Canary Islands, and the coast of West Africa south to equatorial Guinea (Ref. 7404).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 18-19; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-13; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 18-19; Vertebrae: 11-13. Diagonal transverse row of cirri on a fleshy base on upper posterior part of each side of head; with 4 irregular dark brown bars; pale edged black spot on opercle; often a dark spot at front of dorsal fin; adult males with red on lower part of head, chest and abdomen (Ref. 13442). Robust, with a sharply pointed or sub obtuse head. Anterior nare is tubular and with an apical lid that prevents the penetration of sand particles (Ref. 94108).
Biology:  Diurnal, bottom-dwelling species which occur in rocky and rubble shores with algal mats, reefs and seagrass beds. Generally at depths of a few cm (Ref. 13628). Usually seen resting in holes or crevices, and when disturbed quickly move to another crevice. This species is the largest of the labrisomids in the Caribbean region (Ref. 26938). Feed mainly on crustaceans and gastropods (Ref. 13628), brittle stars, sea urchins, fishes and polychaete worms (Ref. 13442). Oviparous, spawn in territories and exhibit paternal care of eggs (Ref. 55747). Larvae are pelagic which eventually settle down at the bottom as juveniles (Ref. 42064).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 18 October 2007 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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