Threadless blenny (Meiacanthus anema)

Latin name

Meiacanthus anema

Other name

Meiacanthus anema

Identification

Presence of poisonous cheek glands associated with grooved canines. 

Features of fish fins

Dorsal spines (total): 6-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 20-24; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 16-19.

Fish colouring

A gray fish with a light longitudinal stripe.

Distribution

Asia and Oceania: Indonesia, Philippines, New Guinea, Solomon Islands and New Hebrides, Vanuatu. Reported from New Caledonia.

Habitat

Marine tropical freshwater brackish demersal amphidromous species. Depth range from 0 to 10 meters.

Size

Reach a length of 7.2 centimeters (2.8 inches). 

Behavior

Adults are found in estuaries and freshwater habitats, often where mangroves are abundant. Larvae are planktonic, often found in shallow coastal waters.

Food and feeding habits

Feeds primarily on plankton. 

Reproduction

Egg-laying. Clearly marked mating. Eggs are bottom-glued and attached to the substrate.

Fishing

Fished for sale to aquariums.

Relationship with a person

This poisonous species can be found in the aquarium trade.