Dwarf spinyhead blenny

Acanthemblemaria paula

Not Evaluated Saltwater

Max Length

1.7999999523162842 cm

Color

Extremely tiny pale cream to …

Depth Range

1-2m

Family

Chaenopsidae

About

The smallest known barnacle blenny, reaching only 2-3cm. Inhabits tiny barnacle shells on shallow Caribbean reef crests. Despite its size, males actively guard egg clutches in their shells.

Physical Description

Measurement	Value
Maximum Length	1.7999999523162842 cm
Depth Range	1-2m

Coloration

Extremely tiny pale cream to translucent body with faint brownish speckling; one of the smallest blennies in the genus; nearly translucent in life; head with small spines; fins virtually clear.

Habitat & Distribution

Shallow Caribbean reef crests at 1-12m depth. Inhabits tiny barnacle shells; requires reefs with abundant Chthamalus or Semibalanus barnacles.

Water Type

Saltwater

Depth Range

1-2m

Geographic Range

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Edibility & Culinary

Taste

One of the smallest blennies known, barely reaching 18 mm; not consumed. An extremely diminutive Caribbean reef dweller with absolutely no culinary value.

Taxonomy

Order	Blenniiformes
Family	Chaenopsidae
Species	Acanthemblemaria paula

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you eat Dwarf spinyhead blenny?

One of the smallest blennies known, barely reaching 18 mm; not consumed. An extremely diminutive Caribbean reef dweller with absolutely no culinary value.

How big does Dwarf spinyhead blenny get?

Dwarf spinyhead blenny can grow up to 1.7999999523162842 cm long.

Where is Dwarf spinyhead blenny found?

Caribbean Sea from the Florida Keys and Bahamas through the Greater Antilles to the southern Lesser Antilles. One of the smallest known blennies; inhabits empty worm tubes and barnacle shells on coral reefs at 1–25 m. Shallow Caribbean reef crests at 1-12m depth. Inhabits tiny barnacle shells; requires reefs with abundant Chthamalus or Semibalanus barnacles.

What family does Dwarf spinyhead blenny belong to?

Dwarf spinyhead blenny (Acanthemblemaria paula) belongs to the family Chaenopsidae in the order Blenniiformes.