Spotted Rockskipper

Istiblennius spilotus

The spotted rockskipper is a combtooth blenny species found in the western Indian Ocean, ranging from Pakistan and the Oman Sea to Natal, South Africa, and Madagascar, with recent sightings in Reunion. Males of this species can grow up to 14 cm in total length, while females reach a maximum of 9.7 cm in standard length. This blenny is characterized by its elongated body and distinctive dorsal fin structure, which includes 13 to 14 spines and 16 to 19 soft rays. Spotted rockskippers inhabit tropical marine environments, particularly along exposed rocky shores. They are adapted to intertidal zones and are known for their facultative air-breathing ability, allowing them to survive in fluctuating water levels. Their reproductive strategy is oviparous, with eggs that are demersal and adhesive, attaching to substrates via a filamentous pad. The larvae are planktonic, often found in shallow coastal waters, which aids in their dispersal. Divers encountering the spotted rockskipper are likely to find them along rocky reefs, where they exhibit territorial behavior. The species is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.