Arabian Blenny

Antennablennius hypenetes, commonly known as the Arabian blenny, is a small species of combtooth blenny found in the western 🌊 Indian Ocean, specifically from the northern 🌊 Red Sea to the 🌊 Persian Gulf. This tropical marine fish typically reaches a maximum length of about 6.5 centimeters (2.6 inches) and inhabits rocky coastal areas.

The Arabian blenny is a demersal species, meaning it lives near the sea floor, often on algae-covered rocks in shallow inshore waters. This fish reproduces through oviparous means, meaning it lays eggs. The eggs are distinctive as they are demersal—resting on the seafloor—and have a special adhesive feature that allows them to attach to surfaces using a filamentous pad or pedestal. Once hatched, the larvae are planktonic, meaning they drift with the ocean currents, often found in the upper layers of coastal waters.

In terms of physical characteristics, the Arabian blenny is equipped with 12 to 13 dorsal spines and 16 to 20 dorsal soft rays. It has 2 anal spines and 19 to 21 anal soft rays. These adaptations help it navigate its coastal habitat effectively. Overall, Antennablennius hypenetes is a remarkable example of marine life adapted to thrive in the warm, rocky environments of the Arabian Peninsula's coastal waters.