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January 28, 2023  |  By Matt Hamas

Sea Rod

Saddled Blenny on Sea Rod Live

Saddled Blenny - IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

A sea rod is a soft coral that is affixed to the seafloor like a tree, with a central trunk. 

Corals can be separated into two categories, hard corals and soft corals. Hard corals generate a calcium carbonate skeleton and tend to be known as reef building corals. Soft corals do not have stony skeletons. They are often bendable and tend to be visually similar to plants. In this case, we would call this coral a sea rod. A sea rod is a soft coral that is affixed to the seafloor like a tree, with a central trunk. 

Hump Coral

The currents and surge make the vertical stalks sway back and forth. This adds another element to shooting photographs. In this case, I noticed a saddled blenny moving around the sea rod. I knew I was going to be using my underwater strobe, and that would mean I would only have one chance to get a photo. Although generally these fish are approachable, I knew the flash was likely going to spook him. I waited for the sea rod to sway just right in the current, revealing the saddled blenny, then I took the shot. 

Saddled Blenny

Saddled Blenny

If you look closely, you will see this coral has eight tentacles per each polyp. This is also referred to as having eight-fold symmetry. These corals are also referred to as “octocorals” or “octocorallia”. They are said to have emerged in the Ordovician period, over 400 million years ago!

Finger Coral

The saddled blenny is perched on polyps, using its ventral fins, pectoral fins, and tail fin. To give you an idea of scale, the saddled blenny is roughly two inches long. The coloration of the saddled blenny can vary slightly, but take note of this one. It has red spots on the tops of its teal eyes. It has red spots down the length of its body. It has iridescent pectoral fins. It also has the tell-tale identifiers of a saddled blenny. Note the dark bars or “saddles” that are on its back. Also note the dark bar at the base of its tail. These tiny bottom dwelling fish can be found throughout the Caribbean, but most reliably in south Florida and the Bahamas. 

The saddled blenny is perched on polyps of the sea rod

Saddled Blenny Tail

Molasses Reef is a major dive destination off Key Largo, Florida.

One octocoral genus “Plexaura” is being used for some incredible medical interventions. The coral Plexaura contains significant amounts of “prostaglandins”, which contain a compound called “Prostaglandin A2”. Research is pointing to Prostaglandin A2 being useful to fight cancer. 

This photo was taken at Molasses Reef in about 25 feet of water. Molasses Reef is a major dive destination off Key Largo, Florida.

Did you know?

  • Saddled blennies are usually found in less than 50 feet of water!
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coral fish macro ocean underwater

Article by Matt Hamas

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Matt Hamas and Ben Ivers here. We are focused on fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of the environment. We endeavor to bring you a unique perspective of the wild. Our photos are being placed here for you to enjoy. Please feel free to download any of the photos for your personal use. We are currently seeking partners for printing and developing photos.

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