| Family: |
Tripterygiidae (Triplefin blennies), subfamily: Tripterygiinae |
| Max. size: |
2.72 cm SL (male/unsexed); 2.7 cm SL (female) |
| Environment: |
benthopelagic; marine; depth range 3 - 11 m |
| Distribution: |
Northwestern Pacific: Japan. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 17-18; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-11; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 18-20. This small species is distinct with the following set characters: D1 III, D2 XIV-XV (mode XV) , D3 9-11; A I, 18-20; pectoral 14-17; pored lateral line scales 20-2 ; notched lateral line scales 17-19; scale rows above first pored lateral line scale 2-3; scale rows above last pored lateral line scale 2-2.5; scale rows below first notched lateral line scale 3-4; mandibular pore formula 4-5 + 1-2 + 4-5; nasal tentacle unbranched flat and broad distally; height of first dorsal fin less than that of second; caudal peduncle with a broad vertical white band behind third dorsal
fin, both sexes with blue lines or spots on head; anterior two-thirds of body and fins are black, and posterior tip of anal fin yellow in melanistic males; head and body with reddish spots, and anal fin yellow basally in pale males and females (Ref. 78435). |
| Biology: |
Commonly found in 3-6 m, but are not observed in tidal pools or deeper than 11 m. Adults are usually found in areas with strong regular surges generated by wave swells, but not in areas with strong unidirectional currents or breaking waves. Individuals often inhabited inclined, usually near vertical, flat surfaces of large rocks, being found near the substrate. Spawning in Hachijo-jima Island was observed early morning until 8:00 am, from the end of March to July (Ref. 78435). 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 |
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