Emblemaria pandionis

Species infomation

Distinctive features:

1. Pupil with spike on top.
2. Head speckled with white spots and lines.
3. Males with wavy lines on dorsal fin.

Physical description:

Pupil with unique 'flick'/curve at top. Branched nasal cirri.
Males: orbital cirri ~length of eye diameter. Elevated front of dorsal fin sail-like.
Females: orbital cirri short.

Colouration:

Head with lots of white spots and lines. Orbital cirri white and often striped with black.
Males: tan to dark brown. Upper body with dark spots. ~9 dark blotches on upper body which can reach lower body. Row of white dots above, below and along midflank. Dorsal fin pale with wavy black horizontal lines.
Mating males: black wash on head, body and all fins. Faint wavy black lines may be visible on dorsal fin. Upper body can have row of pale blotches. Lower head with white speckling.
Females: tan to brown with a white belly. Row of black spots along midflank. Row of black blotches along posterior lower body. Black vertical line on rear cheek. Front of dorsal fin pale with vertically alternating rows of black and white spots throughout entire fin. Black spots on upper body.

Size:

Reaches 7.0 cm.

Habitat:

Found in worm tubes in sandy bottoms with rubble.