Ophioblennius atlanticus

Ophioblennius atlanticus
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Perciformes
Family:	Blenniidae
Genus:	Ophioblennius
Species:	O. atlanticus
Binomial name
Ophioblennius atlanticus (Valenciennes, 1836)

Ophioblennius atlanticus is a Blenny found primarily in the Atlantic Ocean. Deloach and Humann spent over two decades researching this animal in Barbados (1980-1999).

Redlip blennies can be found in coral crests and shallow fringing reefs. Their diet consists primarily of algae, but they will also consume zooplankton and other invertebrates. They possess two razor-sharp canine teeth, which has earned them the nickname of "devil fish" in some countries.

Males and females are almost impossible to distinguish between except during mating periods. Reproduction peaks in spring, but spawning does occur year-round. Male and females blennies seem to prefer larger mating partners, and females are observed visiting the nests of larger males and leaving more eggs more frequently than in nests of smaller, less desirable mates. Incubation takes only five days, and the newly hatched larvae are swept up to the surface by an outgoing tide. Most adults settle into their new homes in approximately 45 days.

Adult redlip blennies can reach two to four inches in length. They are chocolate brown in appearance and possess blunt heads and large red lips. A variation on the species is a paler form, having a shell-white body and reddish brown head. These fish occasionally make their way into the pet trade.

References

• Froese, Rainer, and Daniel Pauly, eds. (2008). "Ophioblennius atlanticus" in FishBase. December 2008 version.

DeLoach, N. Reef fish behavior. New World Publications Inc. Jacksonville (FL). 358 p.

Bath, H. 1990 Blenniidae. p. 905-915. In J.C. Quero, J.C. Hureau, C. Karrer, A. Post and L. Saldanha (eds.) Check-list of the fishes of the eastern tropical Atlantic (CLOFETA). JNICT, Lisbon; SEI, Paris; and UNESCO, Paris. Vol. 2.