Acanthemblemaria castroi Stephens & Hobson, 1966
Galapagos barnacle blenny
photo by Robertson, R.

Family:  Chaenopsidae (Pike-, tube- and flagblennies)
Max. size:  6 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 23 m
Distribution:  Southeast Pacific: endemic to the Galapagos Islands.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Lives in empty barnacle shells. Often perches in the opening with only the head protruding. Seldom seen in the open. Darts out to nab bits of floating food (Ref. 5227). 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: 13 September 2022 (B2ac(iv); D2) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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