Aspidontus dussumieri (Valenciennes, 1836)
Lance blenny
photo by Field, R.

Family:  Blenniidae (Combtooth blennies), subfamily: Blenniinae
Max. size:  12 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 20 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: Red Sea south to Knysna, South Africa (Ref. 4404) and east to Tuamoto Islands, north to southern Japan, south to northern New South Wales; Palau to eastern Caroline Islands, Marshall Islands in Micronesia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 28-34; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 25-30. A. dussumieri differs from the A. taeniatus taeniatus by having a nearly terminal mouth and different color pattern, sometimes with elongate ocellus in front of dorsal fin (Ref. 37816). Indonesian populations have long yellow filaments on caudal fin. Recognized by the slender body and single dark mid-lateral stripe from the tip of the snout to the caudal fin (Ref. 48636).
Biology:  Common in coral reefs and rocky areas (Ref. 559, 637). Feed on algae and detritus. Generally a shy species that quickly retreats to its hiding holes, usually empty tube-worm homes, retreating backwards (Ref. 48636). 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: 24 March 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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