Meiacanthus ditrema Smith-Vaniz, 1976
One-striped poison-fang blenny
photo by Steene, R.

Family:  Blenniidae (Combtooth blennies), subfamily: Blenniinae
Max. size:  6.5 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 18 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Moluccas and the Philippines east to Samoa, north to Ryukyu Islands, south to Rowley Shoals in Western Australia and the northern Great Barrier Reef and Tonga; Palau (Belau) in Micronesia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 5-6; Dorsal soft rays (total): 22-25; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 15-18. Males with long filaments from the tips of the tail (Ref. 48636).
Biology:  Adults are found on reef slopes with large soft-coral communities (Ref. 48636). They form groups usually among gorgonians or black coral (Ref. 90102) in shallow protected reefs. Relatively common and broadly distributed. Feed on zooplankton. 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). Minimum depth from Ref. 58018.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 28 March 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  venomous


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