Throatspot Blenny

Nannosalarias nativitatis

The Throatspot Blenny, also known as the pygmy blenny or Christmas Island blenny, is a small reef fish found in the western Pacific and Indian oceans. It reaches a maximum length of 5 centimeters and is characterized by its elongated body and distinctive markings. Notable features include a simple tentacle above the eye, small white spots on the face, and a large black spot on the throat. Males exhibit a distinct black blotch on each side of the head. This species inhabits coral reefs, particularly seaward reef crests and outer reef slopes, at depths ranging from 2 to 12 meters. They are often found in exposed shallow reef fronts subject to mild to moderate surge. The Throatspot Blenny is solitary or found in small groups, contributing to the diversity of life in these reef ecosystems. The Throatspot Blenny is oviparous, with eggs that are demersal and adhesive, attaching to substrates via a filamentous pad. Larvae are planktonic and typically found in shallow coastal waters. According to the IUCN Red List, this species is classified as Least Concern.