Description:

Dorsal spines: 11-13; Dorsal rays: 13-15; Anal spines: 2; Anal rays: 14-16.

4-6 simple cirri on nostril and eye. Nape cirri in 4 groups forming transverse nuchal comb. The ventral-most group of nape cirri on each side borne on slightly expanded nuchal 
flap. Dorsal fin membrane attached to caudal fin, with deep notch above last spine. First spine almost same or slightly higher than second. Lateral line, without scales and 
scalelike flaps

Colour patterns vary geographically throughout range. In the Western Indian Ocean males tend to be dark brown often with oblique reddish lines on the head and reddish brown 
bars on the flanks particularly anteriorly. Dorsal spines and anterior caudal rays yellowish. Iris with irregular red ring around outer part of eye, narrow yellow ring around 
pupil, with black between the rings. Females paler with a reticulated pattern of brown lines and spots. 
 

Maturity: Unknown. Max length : 9.2 cm SL.
 

Inhabits wave-swept algal ridges of outer reef flat (depth 0-32 m, usually 0-10 m), usually on rocky and coralline substrates. Typically occurs in loose groups spread over 
sections of reef. Feeds on algae in the surge zone. Oviparous, distinct pairing. Eggs are demersal and adhesive. Larvae are planktonic, often found in shallow, coastal waters.

This species is not protected or subject to fishery regulations. It is not subject to the artisanal fishery. 

Photo courtesy Eleanor Brighton and Chris Mason-Parker (c) 2022 Blue Safari Seychelles/Marine Conservation Society, Seychelles. Photograph taken at Alphonse group 2022.
 

Bray, D.J. (2021). Cirripectes castaneus in Fishes of Australia, https://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/1899 (23/07/22).
Froese, R. & D. Pauly. (Eds.) (2022). FishBase. https://www.fishbase.se/summary/cirripectes-castaneus (23/07/22).
Williams, J.T. (2014). Cirripectes castaneus. The IUCN Red List 2014: https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2014-3.RLTS.T48342513A48351180.en. (23/07/22).
Smith, M. & Heemstra, P. (Eds.) (1999). Smiths’ Sea Fishes Edition 6. Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 10.1007/978-3-642-82858-4

Nevill, J.E.G., Brighton, E. & Mason-Parker, C. (2022). Cirripectes castaneus, Chestnut eyelash-blenny. Seychelles Seatizens. www.seatizens.sc. https://seatizens.sc/species/cirripectes-castaneus-valenciennes-1836/