Notchbrow Blenny

Hypsoblennius gilberti

The Notchbrow Blenny, a member of the combtooth blenny family, is found in the eastern Pacific Ocean, ranging from Point Conception in California, USA, to southern Baja California, Mexico. This species can grow up to 17 centimeters in total length. Divers may encounter these fish in intertidal zones and subtidal rocky areas, where they are known for their homing behavior. These blennies are demersal spawners, with eggs that adhere to substrates via a filamentous pad. Males guard the eggs until they hatch, and the larvae are planktonic, often found in shallow coastal waters. The Notchbrow Blenny is a non-migratory species, typically found at depths ranging from the surface to 18 meters, with a preference for shallower waters up to 5 meters deep. They are harmless to humans and have no known threats or uses. The species is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Divers observing the Notchbrow Blenny can expect to see them in their natural habitats, often exhibiting territorial behavior.