Vermiculated Rockskipper

Entomacrodus vermiculatus

The Vermiculated Rockskipper is a species of combtooth blenny found in the Indian Ocean, particularly around the Seychelles, Maldives, and Christmas Island. This fish is well-adapted to the intertidal zone, often moving between rock pools and exposed air, where it can breathe thanks to its facultative air-breathing capability. It can grow up to 18 centimeters in length and is characterized by a greenish body with large white blotches over a maze-like pattern, and yellowish margins on its median fins. The dorsal fin is deeply notched, and the species has distinctive cirri on the nape and supraorbital tentacles, which increase in number as the fish grows. Typically inhabiting shallow waters, the Vermiculated Rockskipper is most commonly found at depths ranging from 0 to 2 meters. It is a demersal fish, meaning it lives near the sea floor, and is often seen in tide pools. This species is oviparous, with eggs that are adhesive and attached to substrates via a filamentous pad. The larvae are planktonic and are usually found in shallow coastal waters. Divers encountering this species may find it actively moving between water and air in the intertidal zones. It is considered harmless to humans and is categorized as Least Concern by the IUCN. Although not evaluated for CITES or CMS, the Vermiculated Rockskipper is a unique sight due to its behavior and adaptation to both aquatic and aerial environments.