About Clinus cottoides Valenciennes, 1836
The body of Clinus cottoides is slightly compressed, with a relatively small head that has a wedge-shaped snout and an obtuse profile angle. A cluster of 4 to 5 tentacles sits above each eye. The first 4 to 5 dorsal spines are slightly shorter than the remaining dorsal spines, and there are no notches in the membrane between the spines. Its typical colouration ranges from yellow to dark brown, with 4 to 7 distinct body bars. Two dark stripes radiate from the eye toward the operculum; in young individuals, these stripes are separated by intermittent blue spots. The species has a characteristic dark spot on the operculum, and very large, dark eyes. The center of the eye sits slightly behind the edge of the lips. Like all members of the Clinidae family, Clinus cottoides is viviparous.
