Belted Blenny
Malacoctenus zonogaster
Malacoctenus zonogaster, the Belted blenny, is a species of labrisomid blenny mainly native to the Galápagos Islands. It is an inhabitant of tide pools and rocky shores, being found from near the surface to 5 metres (16 ft).
3
Countries
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Frank Krasovec, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Frank Krasovec
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Order
Perciformes
Family
Labrisomidae
Genus
Malacoctenus
Belted Blenny belongs to the family Labrisomidae, order Perciformes, within the unknown class.
Species Profile
Malacoctenus zonogaster, the Belted blenny, is a species of labrisomid blenny mainly native to the Galápagos Islands. It is an inhabitant of tide pools and rocky shores, being found from near the surface to 5 metres (16 ft). The species can reach a length of 8.5 centimetres (3.3 in) total length.
The Belted Blenny faces significant threats from coastal development and habitat degradation throughout its Caribbean range. Climate change impacts, including ocean warming and acidification, are altering the shallow reef environments this species depends on for survival and reproduction.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Inhabits shallow coral reefs, rocky shores, and seagrass beds in tropical marine waters of the Caribbean. Typically found in depths ranging from the intertidal zone to approximately 30 meters, often associated with coral rubble and algae-covered substrates.
Threats
Coastal development and habitat loss
Coral reef degradation
Ocean warming and climate change
Ocean acidification
Pollution and sedimentation
Found in 3 Countries
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Belted Blenny (Malacoctenus zonogaster). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/belted-blenny