Cocos barnacle blenny

Acanthemblemaria atrata

Not Evaluated Saltwater

Max Length

3.200000047683716 cm

Color

Dark blackish-brown to very dark …

Depth Range

5-31m

Family

Chaenopsidae

About

A blenny from Cocos Island (eastern Pacific) that inhabits barnacle shells on exposed reef crests. Cryptically patterned; males guard eggs. Extremely site-faithful, rarely leaving its shell home.

Physical Description

Measurement	Value
Maximum Length	3.200000047683716 cm
Depth Range	5-31m

Coloration

Dark blackish-brown to very dark gray overall body with pale cream reticulations on head and anterior flanks; very dark coloration for a blenny; fins dark with pale fin-ray banding; tiny tube-dwelling species.

Habitat & Distribution

Rocky shores and reef crests of Cocos Island (Costa Rica) in the eastern Pacific at 1-15m depth. Inhabits barnacle colonies on wave-exposed substrates.

Water Type

Saltwater

Depth Range

5-31m

Geographic Range

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Edibility & Culinary

Taste

A minute Eastern Pacific barnacle blenny endemic to Cocos Island; not consumed. One of the smallest reef fish species; of entirely scientific and biogeographic interest only.

Taxonomy

Order	Blenniiformes
Family	Chaenopsidae
Species	Acanthemblemaria atrata

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you eat Cocos barnacle blenny?

A minute Eastern Pacific barnacle blenny endemic to Cocos Island; not consumed. One of the smallest reef fish species; of entirely scientific and biogeographic interest only.

How big does Cocos barnacle blenny get?

Cocos barnacle blenny can grow up to 3.200000047683716 cm long.

Where is Cocos barnacle blenny found?

Restricted to Cocos Island (Isla del Coco) in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, an isolated oceanic island and UNESCO World Heritage site approximately 550 km southwest of Costa Rica. Inhabits shallow rocky reef habitats. Rocky shores and reef crests of Cocos Island (Costa Rica) in the eastern Pacific at 1-15m depth. Inhabits barnacle colonies on wave-exposed substrates.

What family does Cocos barnacle blenny belong to?

Cocos barnacle blenny (Acanthemblemaria atrata) belongs to the family Chaenopsidae in the order Blenniiformes.