Species: Starksia melasma, Blackspot Blenny

Starksia melasma Williams & Mounts, 2003

Blackspot Blenny

Body elongate, compressed; bluntly pointed head; eye, nostril and nape cirri unbranched; dorsal fin XVIII-XIX, 7-9, 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 usually13; pelvic fins I (internal), 2, inserted before pectoral base; all fin rays unbranched; lateral line continuous, front section arched, rear section straight, 15 (14-16) + 19 (18-19) scales; belly and pectoral base naked; smooth scales on rear of body.

Red-brown to green brown, body may be faintly barred; 1-2 rows of small dark spots along flank; about 9 dark saddles on back that extend onto dorsal fin base; lips brown, with a narrow pale bar under eye; lower head and mouth with many irregular small pale spots; anal fin with a dark stripe near edge; males with a large black blotch between dorsal spines I-IV .

Reaches 2.5 cm.

Lives in rocky areas, including caves.

Depth range: 7-15 m.

NE Caribbean.