Istiblennius steindachneri (Pfeffer, 1893)

Family:  Blenniidae (Combtooth blennies), subfamily: Salariinae
Max. size:  11 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: Kenya south to Mozambique, Juan de Nova (island off Madagascar), northern Madagascar, Mauritius, and La Digue , Seychelles.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 12-14; Dorsal soft rays (total): 16-25; Anal soft rays: 23-25. Males with spotted occipital crest; crest absent in females; caudal peduncle in males with dark stripes restricted to posterior 45% of body; peduncle in females with dark spots that may also be present anterior to peduncle; dark pinstripes in females restricted to posterior 45% of body excluding spotted area; total dorsal fin elements in males 36-38, in females 35 to 38; total vertebrae 41 to 43, 45 (both sexes; 45 in only one male).
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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