Ecsenius dentex Springer, 1988
Dentex blenny
photo by Cox, C.D.

Family:  Blenniidae (Combtooth blennies), subfamily: Salariinae
Max. size:  4.8 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 0 - 4 m
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: occurs only in the Gulf of Aqaba and northernmost part of the Red Sea adjacent to the gulf.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 11-13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-15; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 15-17; Vertebrae: 31-33. Dorsal fin XI-XIII.13-15 (rarely XI, XIII, or 15); incised between spinous and segmented-ray portions. Anal fin 11,15-17 (rarely 17). Pectoral fin 12-14 (usually 13). Segmented caudal-fin rays 13. Vertebrae 10 + 21-23. Dentary incisor teeth which includes anterior canines very similar in appearance with incisors, 49-59 in males and 53 to 63 in females, averaging more in females than males; posterior canines 0 or 1 (typically 1). Lateral line lacking vertical pairs of pores, extending posteriorly to point between verticals from 9th and 11th dorsal-fin spines, typically extending to or beyond 10th spine. With cirrus on posterior rim of anterior nostril; absent on anterior rim.
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: 25 March 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 


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