Species: Starksia guttata, Spotted Blenny

Starksia guttata (Fowler, 1931)

Spotted Blenny

Body elongate, compressed; bluntly pointed head; eye, nostril and nape cirri unbranched; dorsal fin XXI (XX-XXII), 8 (8-9), a notch between spines and rays; 1st anal spine of male long, free from rest of fin, modified as sexual organ; no ridge or fold along anal fin base; pectorals usually 14; pelvic fins I (internal), 2, inserted before pectoral base; all fin rays unbranched; lateral line continuous, front section arched, rear section straight, 17-18 (15-18) + 21 (20-22) scales; belly naked; smooth scales on rear of body.

Pale; body with irregular dark brown spots that are larger above than below; lower head and belly without small dark spots; a broad pale stripe behind eye extends as a Y onto operculum, sometimes with dark spots on that area; lips without black bars; no dark bar on pectoral base; dorsal, anal and tail fins strongly marked with rows of brown to reddish spots.

Reaches 4.6 cm.

Found in eroded rock and coral.

Depth range: 5-45 m.

The SE Caribbean.