Acanthemblemaria chaplini Böhlke, 1957

Description


Anal spines: 2. Species distinguished by: dorsal fin consisting of spines and segmented rays; total dorsal-fin elements usually 39 or more; posterior third of supraorbital flange crenulate, without spines; fleshy lateral margins of interorbital region with row of 3 to 6 blunt papillae; spiny processes on head poorly developed, when present consisting of a few knobby projections; supraorbital cirrus moderately to strongly branched, cranial spines not short and blunt; patch of cranial spines on nape ends anterior to supratemporal commissural pore; inner rim of posterior infraorbital bone smooth; two or more rows of teeth on each palatine bone; no large, eye-diameter sized dark blotch on side of head posterior to eye. Common amongst Chaenopsids: small elongate fishes; largest species about 12 cm SL, most under 5 cm SL. Head usually with cirri or fleshy flaps on anterior nostrils, eyes, and sometimes laterally on nape; gill membranes continuous with each other across posteroventral surface of head. Each jaw with canine-like or incisor-like teeth anteriorly; teeth usually also present on vomer and often on palatines (roof of mouth). Dorsal-fin spines flexible, usually outnumbering the segmented soft rays (numbering 7 to 37), spinous and segmented-rayed portions forming a single, continuous fin; 2 flexible spines in anal fin; pelvic fins inserted anterior to position of pectoral fins, with 1 spine not visible externally and only 2 or 3 segmented (soft) rays; all fin rays, including caudal-fin rays, unbranched (simple). Lateral line absent. Scales absent (Ref.52855).

Taxonomic Hierarchy


Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Teleostei

Order: Blenniiformes

Family: Chaenopsidae

Genus: Acanthemblemaria

Species: Acanthemblemaria chaplini Böhlke, 1957

Climate Zone


  • Tropical
  • Location


  • Western Atlantic: southeastern Florida, USA and the Bahamas.
  • Biology


    Inhabits limestone slopes than patch reefs and these slopes are usually dotted with small corals and sea urchins, among others (Ref. 5521).

    Habitat


    demersal

    Conservation Status


    Least Concern

    Threat to Humans


    Harmless