Meiacanthus tongaensis Smith-Vaniz, 1987
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Blenniidae (Combtooth blennies), subfamily: Blenniinae
Max. size:  10 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  pelagic-neritic; marine; depth range 0 - 16 m
Distribution:  Pacific Ocean: apparently endemic to Tonga.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 4-4; Dorsal soft rays (total): 27-28; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 17-18. Lunate caudal fin with elongated lobes in adults; yellowish green on head and dorsally on body, shading to light yellow ventrally; greenish yellow dorsal and anal fins, broad black stripe near dorsal fin base; caudal fin base and lobes greenish yellow with centroposterior part transparent with pale greenish yellow rays. Segmented caudal rays 11-12 (usually 11); lateral line terminating below 3rd to 7th dorsal soft rays (Ref. 54980).
Biology:  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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