Parablennius incognitus is a species of blennid that inhabits the waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean from the Canary Islands, Azores and Madeira to the northern coasts of Spain. It is a species that, as usual in blennids, lives in shallow waters (less than 4 meters) and with rocky bottoms with abundant algae cover.
The body of Parablennius incognitus is elongated, reaching up to 6 cm maximum total length. It has a single dorsal fin, with the spiny region (12 spines) and the soft region (17 soft rays) of approximately equal height and separated by a deep notch. The anal fin runs from about half the length of the body to the caudal peduncle, and consists of 2 spines followed by 19 soft rays. The pectoral fins are triangular in shape and consist of 14 rays. The pelvic fins have one spine and 3 soft rays and are located in a jugular position. A feature that will allow us to differentiate between the other blennid species, in addition to the aforementioned dorsal notch, is the presence of tentacles above the eyes. In the case of Parablennius incognitus, it has two branched tentacles, which are much more developed in males than in females.
Other characteristic features of Parablennius incognitus are the absence of white spots at the base of the dorsal fin, the presence of 7 to 9 transverse bands on the flanks that take the shape of an hourglass and may usually be bordered by blue shades, and a large reddish spot bordered in blue/white behind the eyes. The body coloration of Parablennius incognitus can be variable, especially in male specimens during the breeding season, and may adopt yellow, red, brown, and/or green shades.
During the months of May to August is when the specimens of Parablennius incognitus reproduce. Males court females to attract them to their nests by means of a rocking motion of the head from one side to the other. 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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