Seram Blenny, Salarias ceramensis Bleeker, 1852

Introduction

The Seram Blenny shows considerable variation in colour across its geographic range. The species is usually seen resting on rubble on inshore coral reefs.

Identification

The Seram Blenny shows considerable variation in colour across its geographic range. The top image shows a fish from the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. It is brown with white spots on the body and a series of large dark spots on the upper sides.

Habitat

The Seram Blenny is usually seen resting on rubble on inshore coral reefs. It is found in depths from 1 m to 30 m.

Distribution

It occurs in tropical marine waters of the Western Pacific, from the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, New Guinea and Australia. In Australia it is known from the northern Great Barrier Reef, Queensland.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

References

1. Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
2. Kuiter, R.H. & T. Tonozuka. 2001. Indonesian Reef Fishes. Zoonetics. Seaford, Victoria. 3 parts, Pp. 900.
3. Springer, V. G. 2001. Blenniidae. in Carpenter, K.E. & V.H. Niem (Eds). FAO Species Identification Guide for Fishery Purposes. The Living Marine Resources of the Western Central Pacific. Volume 6. Bony Fishes part 4 (Labridae to Latimeriidae), estuarine crocodiles, sea turtles, sea snakes and marine mammals. FAO, Rome. Pp. iii-v, 3381-4218.