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Sea of Cortez Blenny. You gotta love ‘em.
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A tiny fish no longer than a paperclip peeks out from the mouth of an old barnacle shell, which is overgrown with bright pink coral and orange sponge. This is a Cortez Barnacle Blenny (Acanthemblemaria hastingsi), a reef-dwelling fish found only in the Sea of Cortez. The blenny’s head is dark and speckled with dozens of tiny, glowing blue spots, giving it a starry appearance. Its large, curious eyes are rimmed with vivid golden-yellow rings that glow against its dusky face. The fish appears alert and expressive, nestled snugly in its coral-covered home as it watches the surrounding reef. Cortez Barnacle Blenny (Acanthemblemaria hastingsi) 📍 Sea of Cortez | 3 cm | Barnacle shell resident 🧬 Species Fact Card: • Scientific Name: Acanthemblemaria hastingsi • Common Name: Cortez Barnacle Blenny • Range: Endemic to the Sea of Cortez • Size: Typically ~3 cm • Habitat: Empty barnacle shells, reef crevices (1–15 m depth) • Appearance: ▫ Dark body with bright blue speckles ▫ Bold yellow-orange ring around each eye ▫ Blunt snout, expressive face • Diet: Plankton and tiny drifting invertebrates • Fun Fact: Always peeking from its tiny home, this blenny is like a reef sentinel—watchful, brilliant, and full of character.
July 21, 2025 at 5:15 AM