Alticus kirkii (Günther, 1868)
Kirk's blenny
Alticus kirkii
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Blenniidae (Combtooth blennies), subfamily: Salariinae
Max. size:  11 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine
Distribution:  Indian Ocean: Mozambique and Reunion (Ref. 53568) to India, including the Persian Gulf (Ref. 11441).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 16-17; Dorsal soft rays (total): 19-22; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 25-28. Description: D XVI-XVII,19-20; A II,25-26; pectoral rays 13-14; body elongated; depth 7.8 in SL; rounded snout abruptly sloping; supraorbital and nasal tentacles minute and poorly branched; nape scaleless; no canine teeth; vomer with teeth.
Biology:  Adults are found in the intertidal zone of exposed rocky shores, often out of the water (Ref. 11441). They actively shuttle back and forth between rock pools and air (skipper) (Ref. 31184). Breathe air when out of water (Ref. 31184). Oviparous (Ref. 205). 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: 23 March 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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