Malacoctenus triangulatus Springer, 1959
Saddled blenny
Malacoctenus triangulatus
photo by Wirtz, P.

Family:  Labrisomidae (Labrisomids)
Max. size:  7.5 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 40 m
Distribution:  Southwestern Atlantic: from Bahamas and Florida southwards to Brazil.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 20-21; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-12; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 20-22. With 3-5 dark brownish-red bands in form of inverted triangles along side. No other labrisomid has this distinctive color pattern (Ref. 26938). Head with a few small dark spots; bars on body sometimes not very dark but outlined by dark bars; scattered dots then often present elsewhere on the body (Ref. 13442).
Biology:  Inhabits coral reefs and rocky shores. Often found in crevices, or among weed and rubble (Ref. 13121). Feeds on crustaceans (Ref. 13628).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 18 October 2007 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:  Known from from Atol das Rocas, Fernando de Noronha Archipelago (Also Ref. 26938), St. Paul’s Rocks (Also Ref. 13121), Manuel Luis Parcel, and along the Brazilian coast from Paraíba to Rio de Janeiro (Ref. 123106). Also Ref. 7251, 26340.


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