Family: LABRISOMIDAE, Foureye Blennies, Labrisomid Blennies, Labrisomid Blenny, Scaly Blennies, Weed Blennies

FAMILY LABRISOMIDAE

SCALY BLENNIES, FOUREYE BLENNIES, LABRISOMID BLENNIES, WEED BLENNIES

Small, elongate fishes (reach about 30 cm); head usually with cirri on sides of nape, nostrils, and above the eye; each jaw with outer row of large canines or incisors; teeth usually on center of mouth and often on sides as well; 1 (rarely 2) dorsal fin, usually more spines, which are flexible, than segmented rays, (some species lack soft rays entirely); dorsal and anal fins with long bases; anal fin with II spines; pelvic fins with 1 internal spine, 2-3 soft rays, inserted before pectoral base; all fin rays unbranched; smooth scales at least on rear of body; lateral line variable, complete to only on front of body, rarely absent.

This tropical family contains 16 genera and approximately 105 species. Most are found in the North American tropics, but some species occur in the eastern Atlantic. In our region there are 58 species from 6 genera.

PREPARED BY D ROSS ROBERTSON, AFTER WILLIAMS (2002)