Author: (Steindachner and Kolombatovic, 1883)
Lipophrys dalmatinus (Steindachner and Kolombatovic, 1883)
Status in World Register of Marine Species:
Accepted name: Lipophrys dalmatinus (Steindachner and Kolombatovic, 1883) (updated 2009-06-25)
Diagnosis: dorsal finrays XII + 16; anal finrays II + 18; pectoral finrays 12; pelvic finrays I + 3. Colour: basic coloration light greenish; 6-7 olive-green vertical bars which cause a tessellated pattern posteriorly. Spawning males citron-yellow with black crown on head and clublike glands at ends of soft dorsal finrays. Size: to 41 mm.
Habitat: occurs on filamentous algae-covered rocky terraces at 1-1.5 m; sometimes in brackish water. Behaviour: predominantly active during sunlight; otherwise in piddock holes or barnacle shells. Male attracts females in spawning season by nodding movements of head. Food: benthic meiofauna, especially harpacticoids; also algae. Reproduction: May-July. Attracted females spawn in resident hole of male which guards eggs.
Distribution: Mediterranean and off Portugal.
Eggs, larvae and young stages. No data.
Otoliths (sagitta). No data.