Nannosalarias nativitatis (Regan, 1909)
Pygmy blenny
Nannosalarias nativitatis
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Blenniidae (Combtooth blennies), subfamily: Salariinae
Max. size:  5 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 2 - 12 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: Christmas Island in the eastern Indian Ocean east to Samoa, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to Rowley Shoals and the southern Great Barrier Reef and Tonga; Pohnpei in Micronesia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-16; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 16-18. Identified by a simple tentacle above eye, small white spots on face and large black spot on throat (Ref. 48636). Males have a distinct black blotch ventrally on each side of the head.
Biology:  Adults found solitary or in small groups in seaward reef crests and outer reef slopes in exposed shallow reef fronts subject to mild to moderate surge (Ref. 48636, 90102). 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 of 2 m reported from Ref. 90102.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 27 March 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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