Is this a Wrasse Blenny?

Posted December 31st, 2012 by Antonia

Images:

I saw this fish while diving in Bonaire on December 11, 2012. It looks like the Wrasse Blenny (Hemiemblemaria simulus) shown in Humann/Deloach's Reef Fish ID. That book also says this fish has not been scientifically documented in the Caribbean Islands although reported in the Cayman Islands.

wrasse blenny

Submitted by ben@coralreeffi... on Sat, 01/05/2013 - 20:17.

it does look like one, with the mouth lower than expected for a bluehead wrasse and the reddish eye. The range does include western Caribbean islands, like Providencia and probably Cayman, but yes, it would be new for the Netherlands Antilles. I hesitate to confirm it only because the snout is not real sharp.

Thank you very much for the

Submitted by Antonia on Mon, 01/07/2013 - 03:57.

Thank you very much for the comments and further info about the red eye. I guess I will just have to go back and try to get better photos.

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