Virtual Travel-Meet a Secretary Blenny
This Secretary Blenny was seen at Busch Gardens dive site, Little Cayman, BWI. The secretary blenny (Acanthemblemaria maria) is a species of chaenopsid blenny found in shallow seas in the western central Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. It can reach a maximum length of 5 cm (2.0 in.) The most effective way to tell a Blenny from other small fish, such as Gobies, is by their cirri. Cirri are the antennae-like projections on top of the head and frequently the snout of all Blennies. These can vary wildly in size and shape depending on species. It is believed the cirri are an additional sensing organ that helps the blenny know which way the water is flowing, enabling them to read the current and know which way the food will be coming from, as well as to help them to anticipate the approach of predators. When diving you'll see movement. Like most macro subjects underwater, you have to stop, settle or hover and wait. Once the blenny thinks the coast is clear, so to spea...