Horned Rockskipper

Antennablennius bifilum

The Horned Rockskipper, Antennablennius bifilum, is a small combtooth blenny native to the western Indian Ocean, with a range extending from the Persian Gulf to South Africa. This species is typically found in marine environments, occupying depths between 18 and 37 meters. Divers may encounter these fish in regions such as Mozambique, Madagascar, and the Mascarenes. The Horned Rockskipper is distinguished by its dorsal fin structure, featuring 7 spines and 17 to 19 soft rays, and its anal fins with 2 spines and 17 to 20 soft rays. It can be differentiated from similar species like Antennablennius persicus by the number of segmented rays in its fins and its unique pattern of white bars and spots on its body. This blenny is oviparous, with eggs that are demersal and adhere to substrates via a filamentous pad. The larvae are planktonic and often found in shallow coastal waters. Divers observing the Horned Rockskipper can expect a harmless encounter, as this species poses no threat to humans. It is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. An encounter with this fish is likely to be a solitary experience, as it does not exhibit schooling behavior.