Forsterygion maryannae (Hardy, 1987)
Oblique-swimming triplefin
Forsterygion maryannae
photo by Clements, K.

Family:  Tripterygiidae (Triplefin blennies), subfamily: Tripterygiinae
Max. size:  5.88 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 50 m
Distribution:  Southwest Pacific: around mainland New Zealand.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 24-29; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-15; Anal spines: 0-1; Anal soft rays: 24-27; Vertebrae: 42-46. Body elongated, laterally compressed posteriorly; mouth strongly angled upward; notched scales absent; short, distally complex gill rakers, body yellow with a broad, black stripe extending along upper side of body. Discontinuous lateral line with 16-22 tubular scales. Anterior 2 spines of first dorsal fin shorter than remainder, which are of equal length. No sensory papillae on frontal, temporal and upper part of otic areas. Post-temporal partially serrated. Dorsal fin formula V-0N-0-1-0-1. Ten procurrent rays in both upper and lower caudal lobes; in the upper lobe, 1 procurrent ray between upper lobe and posterior epural, 3 rays opposite posterior epural, 1 ray between posterior and anterior epurals. Two opposite anterior epural, 1 opposite neural spine of second preural vertebra; in lower lobe, 3 rays opposite haemal spine of second preural vertebra, 4 rays between haemal spines of second and third preural vertebra, 2 rays opposite haemal spine of third preural vertebra and 1 anterior haemal spine of third preural vertebra.
Biology:  Adults are found over rocky reefs at depths of 1- 50 m (Ref. 13227) and usually seen schooling up to 5 m above substratum, although often seen resting in crevices (Ref. 84085).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 06 May 2010 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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