OBSERVATIONS ON THE BIOLOGY OF THE REDLIP BLENNY, OPHIOBLENNIUS ATLANTICUS (PISCES: BLENNIIDAE) ON THE COLOMBIAN COAST OF THE CARIBBEAN

Abstract

During a 3 week study, a total of 5 5 individuals of the redlip blc.nny (Ophiobitmtius atlanticusJ were observed for at least two 15-minute periods, and several for ten of such periods. The sizes of their territories were estimated, the color pattern of each specimen an intra and interspecific interactions were recorded. The mean territory size of the redlip blenny in the study area appeared to be greater than i-that of these blcnnies studied in Curasao and Barbados by Nursall (1977), the difference reflecting perhaps different methods of identifying the territories or a lover density of O. atlanticus in the Santa Marta area. Territories did not appear as consistently defended at the study area as at Barbados/Curasao and our impression is that individuals holding large territories are less likely to defend their borders. It seems possible that light colored individuals are protected by their coloration from attack by dark colored territory owners. In territorial defense the redlip k btennies grabbed each other tightly by the mouth and struggled in this position repeatedly for about 15 seconds. Interspecific antagonism was common in the present study, the redlip blennies defended their territory frequently against Eupomaccntrus dorsopunicans or E. partitus.