Paiva'S Blenny

Oviparous, distinct pairing (Ref. 205). Egg clutches found within drilled tunnels by ship-worms are attended by the male (Ref. 49399).

Occurs in coastal streams and rivulets under tidal influence, in sites with no (backwater) to medium water-flow (up to 0.2 m/s) and salinity of 0-9 ppt at ebb tide to 12-35 ppt at high tide. Observed to perch on submersed branches, where its cryptic pattern renders it very difficult to spot. When on the underside of a branch, it grasps the algal fronds with its pelvic fins and spreads its pectoral fins to anchor itself among the fronds. It swims slowly with its body curved in an oblique head-up posture, covering distances of up to 1.5 m, resembling a half-waterlogged leaf moving slowly on the water flow. Preys on small arthropods dwelling on algal growth and within decaying wood with mostly isopod and amphipod crustaceans (Ref. 49399).

Adults prefer the tunnels drilled by ship-worms in submersed branches of bank vegetation. At ebb tide, may seek vacant hollows and endure hours out of the water. They feed on isopod and amphipod crustaceans. Occasionally, they swim like a half-waterlogged leaf moving in the slow current. Oviparous (Ref. 205). Eggs are demersal and adhesive (Ref. 205). Egg clutches found within drilled tunnels by ship-worms are attended by the male (Ref. 49399). Sexually dimorphic males with higher dorsal fin and prominent flap on its anterior edge. Territorial males adopt a dark color while flashing the bright turquoise spot on dorsal fin. Contests are size-dominated and may be restricted to displaying dark colors and turquoise spot, or the opponents may enter in physical combat, nipping at each other. Larvae hatch at about 3.5 mm and settle at about 8 mm SL (Ref. 49399).

Lupinoblennius paivai, Paiva's blenny, is a species of combtooth blenny endemic to a small area Brazil from Bahia to Santa Catarina where its habitat is the tidal reaches of coastal streams and small rivers. This species can grow to a length of 5.1 centimetres (2.0 in) SL. The specific name honours the Brazilian oceanographer João de Paiva Carvalho (1903-1961) of the Instituto Oceanográfico da Universidade de São Paulo in recognition of his cooperation with Pinto.