Alticus arnoldorum (Curtiss, 1938)
Pacific leaping blenny
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Blenniidae (Combtooth blennies), subfamily: Salariinae
Max. size:  8 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine
Distribution:  Pacific Ocean: Marianas to the Society Islands, south to Samoa and the Cook Islands.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 14-15; Dorsal soft rays (total): 22-24; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 26-27
Biology:  Found in moist shaded pockets of pitted limestone in the spray zone above the water line (Ref. 34765). Leaps from hole to hole when disturbed (Ref. 34765). Feeds on filamentous algae (Ref. 89972). Oviparous (Ref. 205). 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: 23 March 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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