One-striped poison-fang blenny (Meiacanthus ditrema)

Latin name

Meiacanthus ditrema

Other name

Meiacanthus ditrema

Identification

Males have long hairs on the tips of their tails.

Features of fish fins

Dorsal spines (total): 5-6; Dorsal soft rays (total): 22-25; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 15-18. 

Fish colouring

Gray fish with vertical black stripes.

Distribution

Western Pacific: Moluccas and the Philippines east to Samoa, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to the Rowley Shoals in Western Australia and the northern Great Barrier Reef and Tonga; Palau (Belau) in Micronesia.

Habitat

A tropical marine species associated with reefs. Depth range 0 to 18 m.

Size

Maximum length 6.5 cm.

Behavior

Adults are found on reef slopes with extensive soft coral communities. They usually form groups among gorgonians or black corals on shallow sheltered reefs. 

Food and feeding habits

The One-striped Toxic Fang Blenny feeds on zooplankton. 

Reproduction

Egg-laying, distinct mating. Eggs are found on the bottom and are attached to the substrate by a fibrous adhesive pad. Larvae are planktonic organisms, often found in shallow coastal waters.

Fishing

It is not a fishery.

Relationship with a person

Venomous.