Malacoctenus triangulatus Springer, 1959
Saddled blenny
photo by Wirtz, P.

Family:  Labrisomidae (Labrisomids)
Max. size:  7.5 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 40 m
Distribution:  Southwestern Atlantic: from Bahamas and Florida southwards to Brazil.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 20-21; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-12; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 20-22. With 3-5 dark brownish-red bands in form of inverted triangles along side. No other labrisomid has this distinctive color pattern (Ref. 26938). Head with a few small dark spots; bars on body sometimes not very dark but outlined by dark bars; scattered dots then often present elsewhere on the body (Ref. 13442).
Biology:  Inhabits coral reefs and rocky shores. Often found in crevices, or among weed and rubble (Ref. 13121). Feeds on crustaceans (Ref. 13628).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 18 October 2007 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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