Lipophrys pholis is a species of combtooth blennies present in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean (from Norway to Madeira, the Canary Islands and Mauritania) and in the Mediterranean Sea. It lives in intertidal environments or shallow rocky areas (<8 meters) where there is an abundance of carpet algae.
Lipophrys pholis is one of the largest species of combtooth blennies in the Mediterranean Sea, reaching a size of up to 16 cm. The body is elongated, slightly flattened laterally, with a robust and rounded head.
It has a large mouth with thick lips with white ends. One of the features that will allow us to differentiate Lipophrys pholis from other nearby species is the absence of supraocular tentacles. It has a dorsal fin with a non-complete incision that divides the fin into two regions. Both regions are more or less of equal height. The first consists of 12 spines, and the second, which begins about half the length of the body, is composed of 18-19 soft rays. Approximately at the same height as the second portion of the dorsal fin, we find the opposite beginning of the anal fin, which is formed by 2 spines followed by 19 soft rays. The pectoral fins have 13 rays and the pelvic fins are located in the jugular position and have 1 spine and 3 soft rays.
As for the coloration of Lipophrys pholis, the body is brown with yellowish greenish spots. On the flanks we find a series of spots of variable size and blackish coloration, which tend to form 6 vertical stripes. There is also a large dark spot behind the first radius of the dorsal fin, as well as the absence of transverse bands on the caudal fin. The latter is a feature that will allow us to differentiate Lipophrys pholis from the similar Lipophrys trigloides. Unlike other combtooth blennies species, Lipophrys pholis does not have any ocellus-like spots behind the eyes.
The diet of Lipophrys pholis consists mainly of small crustaceans, gastropods and polychaetes, although as individuals grow, they tend to reduce invertebrate consumption and increase consumption of algae.
The reproduction of Lipophrys pholis takes place during the months of April to August. During this time, males court females to attract them to their nests by a back-and-forth head bobbing motion. If they are successful, both go to the hole where they will lay their clutches, attaching them to the substrate by means of an adhesive filament. From then on, the male will be the only one in charge of taking care of the clutch. It is very common for a male to take care of the clutches laid by several females in his nest.
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