Clubhead barnacle blenny

Acanthemblemaria balanorum

Not Evaluated Saltwater

Max Length

5.190000057220459 cm

Color

Brownish-tan to pale gray body …

Depth Range

1-5m

Family

Chaenopsidae

About

A barnacle-dwelling blenny from Caribbean reef crests with an enlarged, club-shaped head fitting perfectly inside barnacle shells. Males defend and guard egg clutches inside empty barnacles.

Physical Description

Measurement	Value
Maximum Length	5.190000057220459 cm
Depth Range	1-5m

Coloration

Brownish-tan to pale gray body with a pattern of dark spots and reticulations; head cirri are unusually large and club-like at their tips; flanks with irregular pale and dark mottling; fins banded pale and dark.

Habitat & Distribution

Barnacle colonies on shallow Caribbean reef crests at 1-15m depth. Exposed reef surfaces with encrusting invertebrates; associated with barnacle (Chthamalus) colonies.

Water Type

Saltwater

Depth Range

1-5m

Geographic Range

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Edibility & Culinary

Taste

A small Caribbean barnacle blenny that dwells inside barnacle shells; not consumed. Its crevice-dwelling lifestyle and tiny size make it entirely unsuitable for culinary purposes.

Taxonomy

Order	Blenniiformes
Family	Chaenopsidae
Species	Acanthemblemaria balanorum

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you eat Clubhead barnacle blenny?

A small Caribbean barnacle blenny that dwells inside barnacle shells; not consumed. Its crevice-dwelling lifestyle and tiny size make it entirely unsuitable for culinary purposes.

How big does Clubhead barnacle blenny get?

Clubhead barnacle blenny can grow up to 5.190000057220459 cm long.

Where is Clubhead barnacle blenny found?

Eastern Pacific from the Gulf of California and Baja California south along the Pacific coast of Mexico to Costa Rica and Panama. Found in barnacle patches, rocky crevices, and shell rubble on shallow inshore reefs to 15 m. Barnacle colonies on shallow Caribbean reef crests at 1-15m depth. Exposed reef surfaces with encrusting invertebrates; associated with barnacle (Chthamalus) colonies.

What family does Clubhead barnacle blenny belong to?

Clubhead barnacle blenny (Acanthemblemaria balanorum) belongs to the family Chaenopsidae in the order Blenniiformes.