Chaenopsis celeste Tavera, 2021
Celeste's pikeblenny

Family:  Chaenopsidae (Pike-, tube- and flagblennies)
Max. size:  7.95 cm SL (female)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 3 - 5 m
Distribution:  Eastern Pacific: Costa Rica to Colombia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 17-17; Dorsal soft rays (total): 36-38; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 35-38. This species is distinguished by the following characters: D XVII,36-38; A II,35-38; pectoral rays 13. Colouration when alive almond to beige flanks with two white stripes, one on the base of the dorsal fin and the other running along the middle portion of the body; nine dark brown blotches present alongside, that just come into contact with the base of the dorsal fin; yellowish translucent dorsal with the last 23-24 rays orangish, anal and caudal fins with white margins; numerous brown big spots scattered over the head, distinct on the cheek and one behind the eye; eyes dark with a very prominent orange to reddish mark on the underside; females with a diagonal evident brown ocellus with cream margins on the dorsal fin starting after the third spine backwards to the fifth; branchiostegal membranes iridescent (azure) blue with black (Ref. 124576).
Biology:  Occurs on sandy bottoms with small rocks. Inhabits crevices and polychaete tubes where it hides with only its head visible, protruding completely when threaten or foraging. Collected by hand nets during low tide at 3-5 meters (Ref. 124576).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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