Microlipophrys dalmatinus

Known as blennie dalmate, this species is typical of the Mediterranean Sea, where it lives in very shallow coastal rocky bottoms, rarely deeper than 2 meters, and often with a multitude of carpet algae. Microlipophrys dalmatinus is a very active species during the day, usually hiding in cracks and hollows in the rocks.

The body of Microlipophrys dalmatinus will hardly exceed 4 cm in total length, being the smallest species of combtooth blennies in the Mediterranean Sea. The body is elongated, slightly flattened laterally (especially at the end of the body), and has a rounded head and a slightly pointed rostrum. Above the eyes there are no supraocular tentacles in Microlipophrys dalmatinus, nor tentacles in the nostrils. The dorsal fin is continuous, with no notch and the entire length of the fin is more or less of equal height. The fin consists of a total of 12 spines and 16 soft rays. The anal fin has 2 spines and 18 soft rays, the pectoral fins have 12 rays and the pelvic fins have 1 spine and 3 rays.

The livery of Microlipophrys dalmatinus is based on a light greenish coloration with 6 to 7 vertical olive green bars forming a mottled pattern together with a series of blue dots on the dorsum. The cheeks are light and have no dark spots on them, nor ocellus-like spots behind the eyes. There is also a dark colored line at the level of the eye that runs to the mouth. During the breeding season, the male adopts a bright yellow coloration with a black crown-shaped spot on the head.

Breeding of Microlipophrys dalmatinus takes place during the months of May to July. During this time, males court females to attract them to their nests by a rocking motion of the head from side to side. 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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References:
https://es.wikipedia.org
http://species-identification.org

Author: (Steindachner & Kolombatovic, 1883)
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Teleostei
Order: Blenniiformes
Family: Blenniidae
Genus: Microlipophrys

Synonyms: Blennie dalmate
Non-accepted names: Blennius dalmatinus; Lipophrys dalmatinus

Distribution: Mediterranean
Size: 4 cm
Depth: <2 m

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