Malacoctenus aurolineatus Smith, 1957
Goldline blenny
photo by Cherson, A.

Family:  Labrisomidae (Labrisomids)
Max. size:  6 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 5 m
Distribution:  Western Atlantic: southern Florida (USA), Bahamas, and Yucatan, Mexico to northern South America.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 20-21; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-11; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 19-20. Body with dark bars; first two bars connected to form an H, last two bars remote from first (Ref. 26938).
Biology:  Inhabits limestone rock, rubble and coral reef areas. Usually near sea urchins (Ref. 9710). Feeds on amphipods and copepods (Ref. 13628).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 18 October 2007 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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