Blenny

[Scuba_Jenny]

Found a cute little blenny off the beach in Hollywood Florida. Depth maybe 12ft, on an artifical reef. Since neither of us had a camera, I did a quick sketch of him from memory. He was quite content sitting there on top of a rock as we stared and made notes. Size is maybe 2.5". Unfortunatley, I do not know what his tail looks like as I was busy looking at the false eyes (?) on the top center of each section of dorsal fin. The best way to describe them is to imagine a peacock feather. I do not know how many of those blotches there were, maybe 3-5. Also, note the pointed nose. I am pretty sure it is a blenny, from 1. the protrusion on the head, and 2. because of the way he was sitting on the rock.
Any ideas?

 

[H2Andy]

could it be a spikefin blenny (emblemariopsis signifera)?

it's the only blenny i know that has that "horn" on its head, other than the longhorn
blenny (hypsoblenius exstochilus), but that one has a clear stripe running
diagonally across its face

of course, if it were, it would be a rare find indeed. those guys are really, really
rare in Florida

 

[maractwin]

Possibly a marbled blenny, Paraclinus marmoratus. The front of the dorsal fin is elongated, and they have two eyespots near the back of the dorsal fin.

 

[tiswango]

Possibly a Quilfin Blenny, I've only seen on in the Bahamas. More likey it was a Hairy Blenny, they are quite common and like artificial reefs. They are all over Blue Heron Bridge.