Barred-Chin Blenny

Rhabdoblennius nitidus

The Barred-chin Blenny is a small reef-associated fish found primarily in the western Pacific Ocean, from southern Japan to Taiwan, the Philippines, and Malaysia. It is characterized by a fusiform body shape with a circular cross-section, reaching a maximum length of 8.3 cm in males and 5.6 cm in females. The blenny has 12 dorsal spines and 18 to 22 dorsal soft rays, with 2 anal spines and 19 to 23 anal soft rays. Its jaws have fewer than 40 immovable teeth each, and it lacks nuchal cirri, though both sexes have an occipital crest. This species inhabits coral reefs, particularly the outer reef fronts of surge channels and pools, where it is exposed to heavy surf. It is typically found at shallow depths ranging from 0 to 2 meters. The Barred-chin Blenny is oviparous, with distinct pairing during reproduction. Its eggs are demersal and adhere to substrates using a filamentous pad, while the larvae are planktonic and often found in shallow coastal waters. Divers encountering the Barred-chin Blenny may find it in surge channels or pools, where it is adapted to withstand strong currents. The species is harmless to humans and is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.