Microlipophrys canevae

Size range: 4-7.5 cm

Depth range: 0-2 m

Habitat:

• Hard - creeks and crevices, usually on vertical rocks

Water column position:

• Benthic

Colors & patterns:

• Basic coloration brown, dark bars on the upper side of the body
• Lower side of the body of beige color, white spots along back and thin white lines on body
• A marked notch in the middle of dorsal fin
• No tentacles above the eyes
• Rarely slight crest on head
• Mature males during breeding season - head with black crown, yellow cheeks and red opercles and club-like glands at ends of soft dorsal finrays;

Behavior:

• Cryptic - caves/crevices/overhangs
• Activity: Diurnal
• Approach: Shy/bald
• Courtship of males by hammering movements of head

Schooling characteristics:

• Solitary

Feeding characteristic: Omnivorous - small invertebrates, especially crustaceans; sometimes predominantly algae

Native