Has anyone seen this blenny?

My husband, Lupo, shot this blenny a few days ago in Triton Bay. We haven't found it in any ID books on the boat, but we haven't had access to a Humann / DeLoach book yet. It may also be that other ID pics of this blenny don't show him out far enough to reveal that beautiful little bowtie pattern. It's really adorable! Here's an image. If anyone knows what it is, please let me know!

Thanks!

Mary

Very interesting blenny. Since you mention Humann/Deloach, I am assuming you took this photo in the Caribbean, is that correct? Knowing the region will make it a lot easier to ID, but unfortunately I have no idea where Triton Bay is.

Triton Bay is dive area east of Fak Fak, Papua. The book referenced is "Reef Fish Identification Tropical Pacific" by Allen, Steene, Humann & Deloach. This is one of the best ID books that I've found for SE Asia area. Any other pics of blenny? Book showing a couple of possibles but a side view would be helpful.

How about Crossosalarias macrospilus ("triplespot blenny")? Most pictures show it more dull and brown, without the red, but it has "two ocellated spots on the throat" according to the book you mention. A side view would help confirm it.

but unfortunately I have no idea where Triton Bay is.

Kaimana, West Papua is the closest port/town to Triton Bay. Kaimana is Southeast of Fak Fak.

I saw that same blenny species in Triton Bay several months ago, but don't have an idea of what kind of blenny it is.

Triton Bay is one of my favorite dive locations...

I'm not sure if he got a side view picture. He'll be out at sea until the 28th, so I'll check with him then. And if there's a side view picture, I'll post it. Thanks for all the input!

 

My husband, Lupo, shot this blenny a few days ago in Triton Bay. We haven't found it in any ID books on the boat, but we haven't had access to a Humann / DeLoach book yet. It may also be that other ID pics of this blenny don't show him out far enough to reveal that beautiful little bowtie pattern. It's really adorable! Here's an image. If anyone knows what it is, please let me know!

 

Thanks!

Mary

Hi. The pattern of spots and shading on the face are indicative of the Delicate Blenny Glyptoparus delicatulus. Don't let the colors per-se mislead you. My take is that it is a nuptual male with enhanced colors and the bowtie may be a signal to show off to females or even other males.