Praealticus margaritatus (Kendall & Radcliffe, 1912)
Pearly rockskipper

Family:  Blenniidae (Combtooth blennies), subfamily: Salariinae
Max. size:  7.3 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  pelagic-neritic; marine
Distribution:  Western Central Pacific: American Samoa and Fiji.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 12-13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 17-19; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 18-21. Upper lip edge generally partly crenulate; color note from description: females warm brown, paler on belly; head with a slight purplish tinge, darker on snout and lips; only a slight trace of crossbars; body with small, pale pearly spots, most numerous posteriorly; crest dark brown, thickly dotted with small pearly or bluish spots; pectorals dark brown; spinous dorsal fin dark brown with a series of large, oblique, oblong black spots, 1 on each membrane; second dorsal fin dark brown with numerous narrow, pale oblique streaks; caudal fin dark brown, appearing almost black; anal fin dark brown with darker margin; pelvic fins black. Males paler with pearly spots more distinct and more numerous anteriorly; head covered with small dusky spots; crest without white spots; large black spots only on first 2 membranes of dorsal fin. Anal soft rays rarely 18 or 21; segmented caudal rays 13-14 (typically 14) with middle 3-9 branched; lateral line pores 1-6 (Ref. 54980).
Biology:  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: 27 March 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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