Parenchelyurus hyena (Whitley, 1953)
Hyena blenny
photo by Whitley, G.P.

Family:  Blenniidae (Combtooth blennies), subfamily: Blenniinae
Max. size:  3.8 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; marine
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Papua New Guinea.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 10-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 16-17; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 20-21. Color in life unknown. No notch between spinous and soft portions; segmented caudal rays 13; lacking lateral-line tubes; gill opening extending ventrally opposite 1st to 4th pectoral ray; lacking head cirri and crest; body depth about 4.7 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Adults are found beneath rocks at shallow depths (Ref. 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).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 28 March 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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