Acanthemblemaria atrata Hastings & Robertson, 1999
Cocos barnacle blenny
Acanthemblemaria atrata
photo by Robertson, R.

Family:  Chaenopsidae (Pike-, tube- and flagblennies)
Max. size:  3.2 cm SL (male/unsexed); 3.17 cm SL (female)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 5 - 31 m
Distribution:  Eastern Central Pacific: Cocos Island (Costa Rica).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 22-25; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-14; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 23-26; Vertebrae: 40-43. This species is distinguished by the following characters: 1-2 pairs of large iridescent blue spots on the upper lip; relatively small body size; 2 common pores (sensory pores between the mandibular and preopercular series); a closed wedge of spines on the posterior part of the frontal; 2 rows of interorbital spines, the outer one continuous; D XXII-XXV,11-14 (35-37 total dorsal-fin elements; A II,23-26 (Ref. 81029).
Biology:  A small benthic reef fish which is common in shallow water, but also occurs to depths of at least 31 meters (Ref. 81029). Oviparous (Ref. 56066). Eggs are attached to the walls of the parent's shelter and are brooded by the male parent (Ref. 56066).
IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable (VU); Date assessed: 25 May 2007 (D2) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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