Hypsoblennius hentz (Lesueur 1825)

Gill opening extending ventrally to opposite 7th-11th pectoral-fin ray; segmented dorsal-fin rays 13-16; segmented pelvic-fin rays 3; last dorsal-fin spine 8.5-15.5% SL; dorsal-fin spines robust and stiff; no elongate fleshy flap present posteriorly on lower lip; infraorbital bones 5-5; upper lip without free dorsal margin extending around snout; fleshy lobes of lower lip almost linear in lateral view and separated anterioventrally by a broad smooth area; bony interorbital width comparatively wider; dark spot usually present in spinous dorsal fin and centered on second spine; mandibular pores 4.

Oviparous, distinct pairing (Ref. 205).

Dorsal spines (total): 1113; Dorsal soft rays (total): 1316; Analspines: 2

Inhabits oyster reefs and rocky shores (Ref. 7251).

Adults inhabit oyster reefs and rocky shores. Oviparous. Eggs are demersal and adhesive (Ref. 205), and are attached to the substrate via a filamentous, adhesive pad or pedestal (Ref. 94114). Larvae are planktonic, often found in shallow, coastal waters (Ref. 94114).

fisheries: of no interest

Hypsoblennius hentz, commonly known as the feather blenny, is a species of combtooth blenny found on coral reefs in the western Atlantic Ocean. This species grows to a length of 10 centimetres (3.9 in) total length. The feather blenny is found from Nova Scotia, Canada to Texas along the shore of North America. Often, feather blennies can be found in oyster reefs and rocky shores. The identity of the person honoured in this species' specific name is uncertain but it is thought that to have been the French American arachnologist Nicholas Marcellus Hentz (1797-1856) who is the "Mr Hentz" from Charleston, North Carolina who sent the type to Lesueur.

Western Atlantic: New Jersey (occasionally Nova Scotia - Shelburne Hbr, 43o41'N, 65o20'W, thus GoM - in Canada) to Texas, including southern Florida

Inhabits oyster reefs and rocky shores.

benthic