Pholidichthys leucotaenia Bleeker, 1856
Convict blenny
Pholidichthys leucotaenia
photo by JJPhoto

Family:  Pholidichthyidae (Convict blenny)
Max. size:  34 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 3 - 30 m
Distribution:  Western Central Pacific: Philippines south to the Solomon Islands. Absent from Australia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 72-79; Anal soft rays: 54-62
Biology:  Inhabits shallow lagoon and coastal reefs (Ref. 9710, 48635). Forms schools that are often found under ledges or around coral heads (Ref. 9710). Swim in tight formation to look like a single large body (Ref. 48635). Juveniles resemble the venomous striped catfish Plotosus lineatus. Adults live secretively in reefs and have a barred or spotted color pattern (Ref. 48635).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 18 August 2023 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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