| Family: |
Blenniidae (Combtooth blennies), subfamily: Salariinae |
| Max. size: |
8.9 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 31 m |
| Distribution: |
Pacific Ocean: Palau to Johnston Islands, Marquesas and Pitcairn Islands, north to the Bonin Islands, south to Rapa; throughout Micronesia. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 11-13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-15; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 14-16; Vertebrae: 29-31. Dorsal fin XII, 14, membrane attached to caudal fin, with deep notch above last spine, first spine slightly higher than second; anal fin II, 15; pectoral rays 15; pelvic fin I, 4; caudal fin procurrent rays 10-14. Vertebrae 10 + 20. LL, without scales but with scalelike flaps; LL tubes 1-11, canal ends below 7th dorsal ray and caudal-fin base. Lower lip smooth mesially, plicate laterally. Upper lip crenulae 37-51. Gill rakers 23-29. Cephalic pore system complex; midsnout pores present. Cirri, supraorbital 4-14, nasal 4-19; nuchal 27-38, in 4 groups, bases of ventralmost groups slightly expanded. Adults with brown body; red spots or narrow lines on snout and around the eye; iris silvery (Ref. 529). Anterior nare is tubular and provided with an apical lid that prevents the penetration of sand particles (Ref. 94108). |
| Biology: |
Adults inhabit exposed seaward reefs where it usually shelters at bases or among the branches of Pocilloporid corals (Ref. 1602). Feeds on benhic algae (Ref. 89972). Benthic (Ref. 58302). Oviparous. Eggs are demersal and adhesive (Ref. 205), and are attached to the substrate via a filamentous, adhesive pad or pedestal (Ref. 94114). Larvae are planktonic, often found in shallow, coastal waters (Ref. 94114). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 24 March 2009 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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