Enneapterygius hemimelas (Kner & Steindachner, 1867)
Halfblack Triplefin
photo by Chalias, V.

Family:  Tripterygiidae (Triplefin blennies), subfamily: Tripterygiinae
Max. size:  4.8 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 30 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Japan (Ref. 76833), Ryukyu Islands to eastern Australia, including Mariana, Marshall, Samoan, and Phoenix islands (Kiribati), the OuvĂ©a Atoll in the Loyalty Islands, to American Samoa.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 15-16; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-10; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 17-19. Males have dark lower head and are abruptly dark posterior, occasionally with alternating broad dark and light bands (Ref. 37816 ). Adults are identified by the greenish tail and the color usually extends well onto the body (Ref. 48636). Mature males with two broad, black bands below third dorsal fin base and caudal peduncle, two bands joined ventrally; posterior half of anal fin black in mature males; caudal fin base white; pectoral and pelvic fins and body orange in mature males (Ref. 76833).
Biology:  Adults are found in various reef habitats (Ref. 48636) especially in reef flats and tidepools (Ref. 90102) and in surf-swept reef margins. Also found in intertidal areas and is usually associated with coralline rock and coral reef lagoons (Ref. 13227). Eggs are hemispherical and covered with numerous sticky threads that anchor them in the algae on the nesting sites (Ref. 240). Larvae are planktonic which occur primarily in shallow, nearshore waters (Ref. 94114).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 03 May 2010 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 


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