Fourline Blenny

Ecsenius aequalis

The Fourline Blenny is a small reef fish found in the western Pacific Ocean, particularly around the northern Great Barrier Reef, Osprey Reef in the Coral Sea, and the Trobriand Islands of Papua New Guinea. This species is identifiable by its grey or light brown coloration, marked by four distinct black stripes or dotted lines running along its body, including one along the base of the dorsal fin. These markings make it distinguishable from other blenny species in the region. Inhabiting coral reefs, the Fourline Blenny can be found at depths ranging from 2 to 11 meters. It is a reef-associated species, often seen in shallow areas of the reef. This fish is oviparous, meaning it lays eggs that are demersal and adhesive, attaching to substrates via a filamentous pad. The larvae are planktonic, frequently occurring in coastal waters. Divers encountering the Fourline Blenny can expect a harmless interaction, as the species poses no threat to humans. Its conservation status is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. With a maximum length of 4.3 cm, this blenny is a small but interesting species for divers to observe.