Meiacanthus limbatus Smith-Vaniz, 1987
Manus fangblenny

Family:  Blenniidae (Combtooth blennies), subfamily: Blenniinae
Max. size:  3.7 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 25 - 55 m
Distribution:  Western Central Pacific: Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Palau.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 4-5; Dorsal soft rays (total): 24-27; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 16-18. This species is distinguished by the following characters: a major portion of dentary gland dorsally positioned and held in place laterally by a dorsolateral flange of dentary; D IV-V,24-27 (usually IV,26-27); A II,16-18; pectoral-fin rays 13-15, usually 14; in adult males, inner caudal-fin rays produced as filaments. Colouration: a dark mid-lateral stripe that does not extend onto dorsal part of pectoral fin base and only very slightly onto caudal-fin base; a lower dark stripe extending from upper lip through lower half of pectoral fin to base of caudal fin; anal fin of adults with dark basal stripe (best developed in males); pelvic fin sexually dimorphic in adults, depressed fin extends to or beyond anal fin origin in males and about 25-30% of distance to anal-fin origin in females; median supratemporal pores 1 or 2 but surprisingly variable (Ref. 123060).
Biology:  Adults are found in coral reefs, usually in sheltered inshore reefs (Ref. 41819); described as a gregarious species, with schools as large as 40-50 individuals, some retreating into crevices when disturbed (Ref. 123060), Also in steep outer reef slope (Ref. 90102); typically found in 25-55 m near vertical walls or caves (Ref. 123060). 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: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 28 March 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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