Gillellus inescatus

Gillellus inescatus, the flagfin stargazer,[2] is a species of tropical sand stargazer native to the Caribbean sea.[3]

Gillellus inescatus
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Blenniiformes
Family: Dactyloscopidae
Genus: Gillellus
Species:
G. inescatus
Binomial name
Gillellus inescatus

Etymology

The specific epithet "inescatus" is derived from the Latin word "inescare" (to bait). It refers to the structure at the back of the head and front of the spine, shaped like an anglerfish's esca, which Williams theorizes may be used as bait for luring prey, in a style similar to anglerfish, or as a means to attract potential mates.[2] The species' common name, "flagfin stargazer" refers to the structure's resemblance to a small flag atop the blenny's spine.[2]

Description

Based on the single known specimen, Gillellus inescatus can reach a length of 2.35 centimetres (0.93 in).[2] Its body is elongate and compressed, primarily creamy-white, with eight reddish-brown saddles and blue chromatophores on the head. The esca-like structure is at the tip of the elongated spine on the first dorsal fin and is reddish brown.[2] Williams describes G. inescatus as being similar to G. uranidea, G. healae, and G. jacksoni, with the esca being a noticeable distinguishing trait.[2]

Distribution

The full extent of the distribution of Gillellus inescatus is uncertain, as it is only known from the holotype specimen, found between Northwest Point and Lulu Bay, Navassa Island. This single specimen was collected from a depth range of 27 to 30 metres (89 to 98 ft).[3]

References
  1. Williams, J.T. (2014). "Gillellus inescatus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2014: e.T47143421A48343346. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2014-3.RLTS.T47143421A48343346.en.
  2. Williams, J.T., 2002 [ref. 26522] Three new species of blennioid shore fishes discovered at Navassa Island, Caribbean Sea. Aqua, Journal of Ichthyology and Aquatic Biology v. 6 (no. 1): 11-16.
  3. Froese, Rainer and Pauly, Daniel, eds. (2013). "Gillellus inescatus" in FishBase. April 2013 version.
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