Istiblennius lineatus (Valenciennes, 1836)
Lined rockskipper
photo by Wirtz, P.

Family:  Blenniidae (Combtooth blennies), subfamily: Salariinae
Max. size:  15 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 3 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: Laccadive Islands and Maldives to MangarĂ©va, Gambier Islands. Western Central Pacific: Guam (Ref. 35721).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 13-14; Dorsal soft rays (total): 22-25; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 23-25. Color dusky, greenish with dusky lines. Males with crest and dorsal with alternate dark and pale oblique lines (Ref. 48636). Living specimens may exhibit a complex facial pattern similar to, but not quite as intricate as, that of Entomacrodus niuafoouensis, and barely discernable parallel pinstripes on their sides.
Biology:  Adults occur in the intertidal zone of rocky shores, rocky reef flats (Ref. 9710), including rock pools, harbors and mangrove zones (Ref. 48636). They graze algae on rocks by groups (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: 27 March 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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