Rafi Amar, Israel
Info
The Red Sea is one of the most scientifically studied seas in the world.
However, the goby Parablennius opercularis was not included in fish lists from the Red Sea until a few years ago, the reason for this is that the small bottom dweller has only recently arrived in the area, which may indicate a (possible) natural expansion of the range of this species.
Further ichthyological surveys are needed to explore the northern Arabian Gulf area to determine if this species has a
permanent population established in this region.
A recent photos, like the one of Rafi Amar, from the Gulf of Aqaba certainly speak in favor of it.
Characteristics of this species:
Fin rays D- XII, 16 -17, large supraorbital tentacles with five with five branches, no cirrus on the nape, small cirus on the nape, small cirus on the posterior end of the anterior nostril, body to brown but whitish in color depending on the background, brown olive spot the size of the eye on each cheek behind the eye and a greenish spot on the membrane between the first and second dorsal spines.
Other blennies from the Arabian Gulf:
Parablennius pilicornis and Parablennius thysanius are the only other species of blennies that live in the area adjacent to the Arabian Gulf
live.
Synonyms:
Salarias neilli Day, 1888
Salarias opercularis Murray, 1887
Jumping guard
A jumping guard prevents (nocturnal) fish from jumping out.
Wrasses, blennies, hawkfishs and gobies jump out of an unprotected tank in fright if their night rest is disturbed, unfortunately these jumpers are found dried up in the morning on carpets, glass edges or later behind the tank.
https://www.korallenriff.de/en/article/1925_5_Jump_Protection_Solutions_for_Fish_in_the_Aquarium__5_Net_Covers.html
A small night light also helps, as it provides the fish with a means of orientation in the dark!
However, the goby Parablennius opercularis was not included in fish lists from the Red Sea until a few years ago, the reason for this is that the small bottom dweller has only recently arrived in the area, which may indicate a (possible) natural expansion of the range of this species.
Further ichthyological surveys are needed to explore the northern Arabian Gulf area to determine if this species has a
permanent population established in this region.
A recent photos, like the one of Rafi Amar, from the Gulf of Aqaba certainly speak in favor of it.
Characteristics of this species:
Fin rays D- XII, 16 -17, large supraorbital tentacles with five with five branches, no cirrus on the nape, small cirus on the nape, small cirus on the posterior end of the anterior nostril, body to brown but whitish in color depending on the background, brown olive spot the size of the eye on each cheek behind the eye and a greenish spot on the membrane between the first and second dorsal spines.
Other blennies from the Arabian Gulf:
Parablennius pilicornis and Parablennius thysanius are the only other species of blennies that live in the area adjacent to the Arabian Gulf
live.
Synonyms:
Salarias neilli Day, 1888
Salarias opercularis Murray, 1887
Jumping guard
A jumping guard prevents (nocturnal) fish from jumping out.
Wrasses, blennies, hawkfishs and gobies jump out of an unprotected tank in fright if their night rest is disturbed, unfortunately these jumpers are found dried up in the morning on carpets, glass edges or later behind the tank.
https://www.korallenriff.de/en/article/1925_5_Jump_Protection_Solutions_for_Fish_in_the_Aquarium__5_Net_Covers.html
A small night light also helps, as it provides the fish with a means of orientation in the dark!
