Meiacanthus luteus Smith-Vaniz, 1987
Yellow fangbelly

Family:  Blenniidae (Combtooth blennies), subfamily: Blenniinae
Max. size:  10.3 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 35 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: northern Australia, from Western Australia to Queensland.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 4-4; Dorsal soft rays (total): 26-28; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 16-18. Males with prolonged pelvic fins and caudal-fin lobes; extending from front of snout through eye and caudal-fin base is a midlateral dark brown to black stripe; another dark brown stripe commencing above eye and passing dorsally on body at base of dorsal fin; head and body between 2 stripes bright yellow, below white (Ref. 27362).
Biology:  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). Poisonous canines provide considerable protection from predators.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 28 March 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  venomous


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