Abner Bucol, Philippinen
Info
Istiblennius colei is a blenny endemic to the waters of the Philippines. It has been reported in the Calamianes Islands, Palawan Province, Panay Island, Masbate, and Culion, Palawan Province.
Istiblennius colei is a harmless, small, herbivorous blenny that can also be observed on very shallow rocks, where it grazes on algae.
However, it is unknown whether the species is a facultative air breather.
Males grow slightly larger than females, reaching just under 12 cm, while females grow to just over 10 cm, with exceptions confirming the rule.
Males have a well-developed, blade-like crest on their heads, while females have weak, comb-like precursors to a crest, sometimes a distinct slender crest.
Istiblennius colei is a territorial, non-migratory species that can blend in well with its rocky surroundings due to its very mottled body coloration.
Similar species: Paralticus amboinensis (Bleeker, 1857)
Etymology:
The species name “colei” honors Howard I. Cole (1892–1966), chief chemist of the Philippine Health Service in the leper colony on the island of Culion, Philippines, the type locality of the species.
Synonyms:
Salarias colei Herre, 1934 · unaccepted
Salarias martini Herre, 1942 · unaccepted
Istiblennius colei is a harmless, small, herbivorous blenny that can also be observed on very shallow rocks, where it grazes on algae.
However, it is unknown whether the species is a facultative air breather.
Males grow slightly larger than females, reaching just under 12 cm, while females grow to just over 10 cm, with exceptions confirming the rule.
Males have a well-developed, blade-like crest on their heads, while females have weak, comb-like precursors to a crest, sometimes a distinct slender crest.
Istiblennius colei is a territorial, non-migratory species that can blend in well with its rocky surroundings due to its very mottled body coloration.
Similar species: Paralticus amboinensis (Bleeker, 1857)
Etymology:
The species name “colei” honors Howard I. Cole (1892–1966), chief chemist of the Philippine Health Service in the leper colony on the island of Culion, Philippines, the type locality of the species.
Synonyms:
Salarias colei Herre, 1934 · unaccepted
Salarias martini Herre, 1942 · unaccepted
