Spinyhead or Secretary Blenny?

[rwe]

Is this a Spinyhead or Secretary Blenny? Is there a way to easily tell the difference? Photos taken on Paradise Reef in Cozumel: ~ 25 feet deep, fish was quite small (maybe 1/4-3/8" diameter head).

 

[b1gcountry]

I believe Secretary blennies have white bars below their eyes. I don't see them in the photos.

I am not a blenny expert though.
Tom

 

[under water]

It's going to be very hard to tell with just that view.
According to Reef's 'Fishes of the Caribbean' it is slightly more likely to be a spinyhead than secretary based on depth, and occurence. Spineyhead is about 2" vs secretary 1". Spinyhead has narrower stripes. neither of that can be determined here.
Secretary: Etymology: akantha, thorn or prickle; emblemaria, ornaments; maria, named by James E. Böhlke for his secretary, Mrs. Mary George

 

[deborahdelamar]

I vote for Spineyhead -- Yes, Secretary's have white lines on their "cheeks" which you can't see from this view, and they also have more branched cirri on top of their heads. Spineyheads have fewer -- usually two -- like the one you found.

 

[deborahdelamar]

I take that back. After looking at some more photos, I see that Secretary's have 2 branched cirri, too...I can't tell the difference without the side view! All kinds of blennies are found on Paradise so depth isn't an indicator.

 

[Papa_Bear]

From the picture and size I going to say Secretary Blenny like this one:

 

[knotical]

The eyes look more like spinyhead.

 

[Rynomar]

I would also say that it is a spinyhead. They are really cute little fellas.

 

[Rick Murchison]

Initial impression is Secretary...
But the main cirri say Spinyhead...
But the secondary cirri say Secretary...
But the eye shape leans toward Spinyhead...
Buth the eye color leans toward Secretary...
3 to 2 Secretary... but I ain't puttin' any money on either
Cute little rascal, anyway.
Rick

 

[Papa_Bear]

Man thats two Grey Beards for Secretary its gotta be!