Malacoctenus margaritae (Fowler, 1944)
Margarita blenny
Malacoctenus margaritae
photo by Allen, G.R.

Family:  Labrisomidae (Labrisomids)
Max. size:  6.5 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine
Distribution:  Eastern Pacific Ocean: from Panama and Costa Rica. Former subspecies Malacoctenus margaritae mexicanus elevated to species level (Ref. 82814).
Diagnosis:  Malacoctenus margaritae differs from Malacoctenus mexicanus by the following characters: symphysial pores 1-4, usually 2-4 (vs. 1-4, usually 1); scales between anterior lateral line and the dorsal contour 3-4, usually 3 (vs. 4-5, usually 4); length of the third pelvic-fin ray is shorter and body marking is considerably more distinct in Malacoctenus margaritae (Ref. 82814).
Biology:  Feeds on invertebrates.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 25 May 2007 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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