Browncheek Blenny

Acanthemblemaria crockeri is a species of chaenopsid blenny found in coral reefs in the Gulf of California, in the eastern central Pacific ocean. It can reach a maximum length of 6 centimetres.

Description

It has an elongate body and short blunt head. The head spines strongly developed in two triangular patches on frontals separated by deep spineless depression; spines also present in 3 longitudinal rows on each side of central groove between eyes; cirri on nostrils, over eyes (1 pair, very bushy); but not on nape; 2 rows of well-developed teeth on side of roof of mouth; dorsal XXIII-XXVII, 12-15; anal II, 24-28; pectoral 13-14.

Both sexes have a large black-ringed dark brown mark covering most of gill cover and many small white spots on the head. Front of dorsal fin is orangish. Male: dark brownish, with numerous small white spots and lines. Female: pale (whitish), with red to orange blotches along mid-flank, internal white dashes along vertebral column; orange throat region.

Distribution

Eastern Central Pacific: Gulf of California.

Habitat

It is found in shallow, rocky areas. Inhabits empty worm and mollusk tubes on rocky reefs. It feeds primarily on zooplankton, benthic invertebrates and small fishes.