Yellowthroat Blenny

The jugular blenny, scientifically known as Alloblennius jugularis, is a small tropical fish found in the western 🌊 Indian Ocean, particularly in the Gulf of Aqaba and the 🌊 Red Sea. It is capable of living in various aquatic environments, including marine, freshwater, and brackish waters, usually near the sea floor.

Male jugular blennies can grow up to 5 centimeters (1.97 inches) in length. They have a distinct appearance with several dark crossbars on their tail and a breast that ranges from yellow to spotted black. Additionally, their lower head area features a black and yellow coloration. The fish's dorsal fin comprises 12 spines and 18 to 19 soft rays, while the anal fin has 2 spines and 20 to 21 soft rays.

Reproduction in jugular blennies is oviparous, meaning they lay eggs. These eggs tend to sink to the bottom and adhere to surfaces using a filamentous pad or pedestal. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae become planktonic, often residing in shallow coastal waters. The name "Alloblennius" derives from Greek, where "allos" means "other" and "blennios" refers to mucus, reflecting the typical mucous-covered body of blennies.