Mystery fish from Costa Rica

[Tjack]

Malacoctenus Sp? Which species?

 

[Tjack]

Closest species I have found so far is Malacoctenus costaricanus but the coloration is not right. I have not been able to get a hold of Humann's Panamic book, is it in there?

 

[donnyb]

The few online images I have seen for M costaricanus seem to be a weaker match than M. margaritae. If you look at the images of margaritae, notice the white dot pattern across the face/between the eyes. A perfect match. Morphology a perfect match as well.

Most fish that sit on the bottom are able to change color to match surroundings, so color is often less dependable as sturcture, and underlying patterns/markings.

Google Image Result for http://content10.eol.org/content/2009/05/21/16/10423_large.jpg

I do not have the Humann book either.

 

[Tjack]

Thanks for all the help identifying this one. I can see the spotting on the face and dark pattern below the eye of M. margaritae. Just to make trouble another possibility might be M. ebisui found in the region. Here is a photo of M. ebisui


http://www.discoverlife.org/IM/I_RR/0015/640/Malacoctenus,I_RR1568.jpg

 

[wazungu]

I am sure it is Malacoctenus ebisui- they are known for having the darker tail-end that looks a bit like a triplefin (Enneanectes).

ben
coralreeffish.com

 

[Rick Murchison]

Let me put it this way...
I wouldn't ever claim to be able to make a definitive species-level ID from that photo
I'd be willing to bet it's either a Margarita Blennie or a fairly close relative... Fishgod Blennie's definitely a possibility, or (gasp!) possibly a hybrid?
Oh, and another thing... if any of y'all haven't noticed yet, there are at least three or two misidentified fish pictures floating around the internet, even on some seemingly reputable sites
Rick

 

[Tjack]

I am liking Malacoctenus ebisui (Fishgod Blenny) What a name. The image on the link below convinces me it is ebisui. Thanks again.

Male Malacoctenus ebisui

Discover Life -- Malacoctenus ebisui image

 

[Sully3]

looks like the goldline blenny.
was it the caribbean side of costa rica?

 

[Tjack]

Pacific side, a panamic endemic.