Emblemariopsis ruetzleri Tyler & Tyler 1997

Diagnosis: The modal fin-ray count of D-XX,11 or 12 A-II,19 or 20 P-14 with 31 or 32 total dorsal-fin elements indicates Emblemariopsis ruetzleri and some labrisomids of the 20-spined Labrisomus (other Emblemariopsis overlapping the median-fin-ray count have 13 pectoral-fin rays). The presence of cryptic species with differing fin-ray counts in various regions requires that the precise locality and the fin-ray counts of sympatric chaenopsids (or DNA sequencing) be known for species-level identification among this large group of species. Many other Labrisomus and Malacoctenus overlap the fin-ray count, but they are larger and more heavily marked than Emblemariopsis larvae at comparable stages, have many more procurrent caudal-fin rays (6-10 vs 3-4), and have evenly spaced first dorsal-fin spines (vs. wide 3-4 gap). (DNA) Description: sblarv,rec,n7530 73 rec, pr785 92

Species distinguished by: supraorbital cirrus shorter than eye diameter and arising from a single base; pectoral-fin rays 14; dorsal fin consisting of spines and 10 to 13 segmented dorsal-fin rays; total dorsal-fin elements 30 to 38; head smooth anteriorly, never spiny; tip of lower jaw not projecting beyond tip of upper jaw and without fleshy projection; one row of teeth on each palatine bone; no stripe or series of dark blotches on head and body. Common amongst Chaenopsids: small elongate fishes; largest species about 12 cm SL, most under 5 cm SL. Head usually with cirri or fleshy flaps on anterior nostrils, eyes, and sometimes laterally on nape; gill membranes continuous with each other across posteroventral surface of head. Each jaw with canine-like or incisor-like teeth anteriorly; teeth usually also present on vomer and often on palatines (roof of mouth). Dorsal-fin spines flexible, usually outnumbering the segmented soft rays, spinous and segmented-rayed portions forming a single, continuous fin; 2 flexible spines in anal fin; pelvic fins inserted anterior to position of pectoral fins, with 1 spine not visible externally and only 2 or 3 segmented (soft) rays; all fin rays, including caudal-fin rays, unbranched (simple). Lateral line absent. Scales absent (Ref.52855).

Dorsal soft rays (total): 1013; Analspines: 2

Emblemariopsis ruetzleri is a species of chaenopsid blenny found around Belize, in the western central Atlantic ocean. The specific name honours Klaus Ruetzler, Curator of Invertebrate Zoology at the National Museum of Natural History.