Enneapterygius elegans (Peters, 1876)
Hourglass triplefin
Enneapterygius elegans
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Tripterygiidae (Triplefin blennies), subfamily: Tripterygiinae
Max. size:  4 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 12 m
Distribution:  Western Central Indian Ocean to Central Pacific.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 15-16; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-10; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 16-17. Hourglass-like mark across caudal peduncle (Ref. 5497).
Biology:  Adults are commonly found in intertidal pools (Ref. 13227). Eggs are hemispherical and covered with numerous sticky threads that anchor them in the algae on the nesting sites (Ref. 240). Larvae are planktonic which occur primarily in shallow, nearshore waters (Ref. 94114).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 03 May 2010 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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