Spinyhead Blenny

Spinyhead Blenny, Newly Settled

Newly Settled marine organisms have just arrived on the reef. They are still small and vulnerable and may not yet resemble adults.

The Spinyhead Blenny has small, short spines on its head, giving it a 'spiny' appearance. Its eyes are yellow-green, and there are small, sometimes branched cirri above the eyes. The snout is speckled with tiny blue spots, and a dark mark is often visible just behind the eyes.

The Spinyhead Blenny lives in empty worm tubes within coral, with its head sticking out. When small bits of food drift by, it darts out to grab them before quickly retreating into its hiding place.

Many photos labeled Secretary Blenny are actually Spinyhead Blennies. This identification error also appeared in earlier editions of Reef Fish Identification and was corrected in the fourth edition.

Reference: The Blenny Watcher, Anna DeLoach, View Source