Help with Blenny ID: Cortez Blenny?

[Tang Salad]

This fish came in as a Cortez Blenny, but I haven't found any information on this name. The picture here shows it in its darkened/camo pattern.

When it's swimming around in normal coloration, the entire fish is uniformly the yellow-gold color seen in its tail in this photo. (I've only had it 24 hrs, and haven't got a chance to photo it's normal coloration...)

It was imported from Australia.

 

[Tang Salad]

Oh, and i paid $450 for this fish.

 

[Tang Salad]

No, I didn't.

 

[kar93]

Im thinking a Entomacrodus marmoratus Im not sure of the common name. I believe they are endemic.

 

[Tang Salad]

Thanks Kane. I think the picture above is a little misleading. I'll keep trying to get a picture of his all-yellow coloration.

 

[seapug]

It might be a juvenile sailfin blenny. Not sure of the proper scientific name for them. They start out bright yellow and turn solid brown when they get older. Most can do the camouflage/color change thing when they want.

 

[Tang Salad]

Thanks Seapug!

Actually, its yellow coloration looks a lot like the Sailfin. But I don't think that's what it is. I've seen the adults of this same fish, and they keep the full yellow coloration from juvenile through adulthood.

Sooner or later this bugger will cooperate. It's amazing how well he can see me outside of the tank. And I'm convinced my shiny silver camera scares him. :lol:

 

[Marco]

Looks like a Golden Sailfin Blenny (Atrosalarias fuscus).

 

[Tang Salad]

Thanks Marco.

I had thought that, too. But according to Fishbase, the "Adults are almost black and some populations have a reddish tail." The adults of this species are golden yellow.

 

[Tang Salad]

Although it does look a lot like this guy.

 

[seapug]

yep, that's what I noticed. The head is very similarly shaped. I'm pretty sure those gold ones do change color when mature.

 

[Tang Salad]

Thanks Seapug. That could be the case, but I'm a little skeptical. The LFS where I got this one has two more that are close to 3 inches and are, presumably, adults. They have the full on yellow coloration. It's possible that they aren't yet fully mature, but at that size, I'd expect them to be full grown.

 

[seapug]

You might try calling the store and ask them what they are called on the shipping invoice. Scientific name is sometimes listed there. Otherwise, there's a good chance it came from Quality Marine (one of the largest importers/distributors to the industry). If you find a fish in a local store, then it's probably available from Quality Marine. Check their website for the current list of Blennies they have available. You might find it there.

http://qualitymarine.com/

 

[Tang Salad]

Thanks Seapug. That's a great site! I just looked through all (30+) the blennies. That'll be a great resource.

Anyway, none showed the yellow coloration of this guy here.

I work part-time in the store where I got it. AFAIK the invoice lacked the scientific name and was only labeled "Cortez Blenny" with an origin of Australia. It came with some Aussie Black Perculas, and some other fish (FAs) from Vanuatu.

I think in the next several hours I may get close enough to get a better pic.

 

[Tang Salad]

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[Tang Salad]

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[Tang Salad]

Any other thoughts?

 

[Tang Salad]

Still waiting for a better picture....