Filamentous Blenny

The filamentous blenny, scientifically known as Cirripectes filamentosus, is a small species of fish commonly found in coral reefs across the western Pacific and 🌊 Indian Oceans. These fish are often seen at depths ranging from 1 to 20 meters (3 to 65 feet), although they prefer shallower waters, typically less than 7 meters (23 feet) deep. They thrive in tropical marine environments.

This blenny can reach a maximum length of 7.5 centimeters (about 3 inches). Its head is characterized by small red spots, adding to its distinct appearance. Its body is predominantly brown, adorned with red spots on the cheeks and snout, with no such markings on the body itself. The iris of the eye is unique, with an inner yellow ring and an outer red one, and the eyes are accentuated by yellowish-brown bars. The pectoral fins have a yellowish hue, while the caudal fin exhibits a striking contrast—with the proximal half being brown and the distal half having yellow upper rays and reddish lower rays.

The anatomy of this species is detailed, with 11 to 13 dorsal spines and 13 to 16 dorsal soft rays. The anal fin comprises 2 spines and 14 to 17 soft rays. Other notable features include a smooth lower lip and the ability to breathe air to some extent. This species exhibits a significant degree of variation in several of its anatomical features, leading to distinctions in some local habitats.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Cirripectes filamentosus is its reproductive behavior. It is an oviparous species, meaning it lays eggs. These eggs are notable for being adhesive and are typically attached to substrates in their environment via a specialized sticky pad. The larvae of this species are planktonic, often found floating in shallow coastal waters.

Geographically, the filamentous blenny has a wide distribution across the Indo-West Pacific region, from northern 🇲🇬 Madagascar to the southern 🌊 Red Sea, including the 🌊 Persian Gulf, the Andaman Sea, and extending to Western Australia, the 🇸🇧 Solomon Islands, and up to 🇹🇼 Taiwan.

The name Cirripectes filamentosus comes from Latin and Greek roots, with "cirrus" meaning a curl or fringe and "pektos" meaning made of several parts united solidly, reflecting the fish's physical attributes. The specific epithet "filamentosus" likely refers to the thread-like appearance of the filamentous dorsal-fin spines in adult fish.