| Starksia atlantica | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Suborder: | Blennioidei |
| Family: | Labrisomidae |
| Genus: | Starksia |
| Species: | S. atlantica |
| Binomial name | |
| Starksia atlantica Longley, 1934 |
|
Starksia atlantica, known commonly as the smooth-eye blenny, is a species of labrisomid blenny.[1]
Adult Starksia atlantica can grow to 2.5 centimetres (0.98 in) in length. It is an elongated shape with a continuous short dorsal fin running most of the length of the body. The colour is variable, being mostly mottled brown on a silvery background with larger dark spots above. The dorsal fin has 18-19 rays, the anal fin 7-8 rays, the pelvic fins have 15-16 and the pectorals 14 rays.[1][2]
Early stage larvae of Starksia are more tadpole-shaped than other labrisomids and lack some of the melanophores (dark spots) typical of the family. Juvenile Starksia atlantica are long and narrow, with large eyes. The mouth is at the tip of the pointed snout. Both the dorsal and anal fins run continuously for most of the length of the body. The pectoral fins are long and the pelvic fins have 2 spines and are long and threadlike. The melanophores are few in number and occur at the base of the anal fin rays.[2]
Starksia atlantica is found in tropical parts of the Western Atlantic. The range includes the Bahamas, Navassa Island, the Virgin Islands, Belize, Honduras and Colombia. It is typically found on coral reefs at depths down to about 8 metres (26 ft).