Ecsenius opsifrontalis Chapman & Schultz, 1952
Comical blenny
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Blenniidae (Combtooth blennies), subfamily: Salariinae
Max. size:  5 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine
Distribution:  Pacific Ocean: Micronesia, Gilbert Islands, Rotuma, Samoa. Recently reported from Wallis Island (Ref. 50537) and from the Philippines (Ref. 37603).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-14; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 14-16
Biology:  Adults occur in coral-rich areas of lagoon and seaward reefs from below the surge zone to at least 30 m, where they typically rest between corals, sides of crevices or shallow caves. 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: 25 March 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:  Reported from Verde Island Passage (Ref. 37603), Tubbataha reefs (Ref. 53416). Also Ref. 121724.


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