Meiacanthus reticulatus Smith-Vaniz, 1976
Reticulated fangblenny

Family:  Blenniidae (Combtooth blennies), subfamily: Blenniinae
Max. size:  6.28 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 5 - 15 m
Distribution:  Western Central Pacific: Osprey Reef, Coral Sea and Egum Atoll, Solomon Sea.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 5-5; Dorsal soft rays (total): 26-26; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 17-17. Head and body light greyish-brown with numerous dark brown spots, narrow dark brown stripe from upper rear corner of eye to below anterior 3rd of dorsal fin, dark brown to blackish dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins, and pale caudal fin with dark upper and lower margins. Segmented caudal rays 11; outer lobes of caudal fin filamentous in adults of both sexes; body depth about 4.4-4.8 in SL. Maximum size to 11 cm TL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Adults are found in coral reefs (Ref. 41819) and sheltered lagoons (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: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 28 March 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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