Galapagos Blenny
VU

Galapagos Blenny

Starksia galapagensis

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starksia_galapagensis

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Galapagos Blenny faces mounting pressure from climate change-induced ocean warming and acidification, which degrades the rocky reef habitats essential for its survival. Invasive marine species introduced through ballast water and hull fouling pose additional threats to this endemic species' limited ecosystem. The species' restriction to shallow coastal waters around the Galapagos archipelago makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances and habitat degradation.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Galapagos Blenny inhabits shallow rocky reefs and tide pools in the intertidal and subtidal zones around the Galapagos Islands. This endemic species typically occupies crevices and small caves in volcanic rock formations at depths ranging from the intertidal zone to approximately 15 meters.

MARINE· major

Other threatened species in Labrisomidae

VU

Dialommus fuscus

Unknown
VU

Jenkins' Blenny

Labrisomus jenkinsi

Unknown
Belted BlennyVU

Belted Blenny

Malacoctenus zonogaster

Unknown

Threatened in Ecuador

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
EN

Puya longispina

Unknown
EN

Chomelia ecuadorensis

Declining
CR

Pristimantis barrigai

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Galapagos Blenny classified as Vulnerable?
Galapagos Blenny is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Galapagos Blenny faces mounting pressure from climate change-induced ocean warming and acidification, which degrades the rocky reef habitats essential for its survival. Invasive marine species introduced through ballast water and hull fouling pose additional threats to this endemic species' limited ecosystem. The species' restriction to shallow coastal waters around the Galapagos archipelago makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances and habitat degradation.
Where does Galapagos Blenny live?
Galapagos Blenny occurs in Ecuador. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Galapagos Blenny?
The main threats to Galapagos Blenny are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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