Small fish with mottled coloration and a rounded tail. A dark spot between first and second rays of the dorsal fin. Cirri (filament) over both eyes have a single stalk with with branches only coming from the base. Males will have a distinct crest on nape of neck. Spots may form irregular barring on sides. May have two pale spots on caudal peduncle (base of tail fin).
Average Maximum Size:
7.6 cm (3 in)
Adults Distinguishing Characteristics:
Crested Blenny cirri (projecting fringes over eyes) are a single stalk with branching around the base only. Feathered Blenny cirri branches all the way up the stalk. Freckled Blenny cirri are a thicker band. The spot between the first and second dorsal rays will always be dark in Crested Blenny, and not blue.
Juveniles Distinguishing Characteristics:
Range:
New Jersey to E. Florida
Habitat:
Found in estuaries, most often over structure where there are hard bottoms (e.g., oyster reefs, jetties).
