Istiblennius bellus (Günther, 1861)
Imspringer
Istiblennius bellus
photo by Stockil, G.

Family:  Blenniidae (Combtooth blennies), subfamily: Salariinae
Max. size:  16 cm SL (male/unsexed); 13.1 cm SL (female)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 3 m
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: 3 mi north of Muqadisho, Somalia, south to Bolito Bay, Natal, South Africa; St. Pierrw (Seychelles); Nossi Be, Madagascar, Juan de Nova Island; Mauritius. Eastern Indian Ocean: Christmas Island. Pacific Ocean: New Hebrides, Niuafo'ou, Samoa, Niue, Marquesas, Saipan Islands.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 12-14; Dorsal soft rays (total): 20-22; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 20-22. Body of males with several paired bands; spots from mouth to nape and posterior part of body; dusky stripes on segmented portion of dorsal fin (Ref. 4404). Females with dusky bands on body; head, body and fins (except pelvic fins) covered with fine dark specs (Ref. 4404).
Biology:  Adults are found in intertidal flats and rock shores (Ref. 90102). 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: 27 March 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


Source and more info: www.fishbase.org. For personal, classroom, and other internal use only. Not for publication.