Author: Steindachner and Kolombatovic,83)
Lipophrys adriaticus (Steindachner and Kolombatovic, 1883)
Status in World Register of Marine Species:
Accepted name: Lipophrys adriaticus (Steindachner and Kolombatovic, 1883) (updated 2009-06-25)
Diagnosis: dorsal finrays XII + 14-15; anal finrays II + 16-17; pectoral finrays 12; pelvic finrays I + 3. Small crest on head of some males. Colour: 5-6 dark vertical bars form a band running along middle of body and a row of large light spots at base of dorsal fin; lower body white to yellowish, black spot at beginning of dorsal fin. Spawning males with black crown, yellow head and front body, and club-like glands at ends of soft dorsal rays. Size: to 52 mm.
Habitat: sheltered rocky coasts, mainly at 0.1-0.5 m at steep walls. Behaviour: only active during sunlight, otherwise in piddock holes or crevices. Food: benthic invertebrates, especially anisopods and harpacticoids; also algae. Reproduction: May-June. Several females spawn at ceiling of male resident hole; eggs guarded by male.
Distribution: Adriatic Sea, Aegean Sea, Sea of Marmara and Black Sea.
Eggs, larvae and young stages. No data.
Otoliths (sagitta). No data.