Enneapterygius randalli Fricke, 1997
Rapa triplefin
Enneapterygius randalli
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Tripterygiidae (Triplefin blennies), subfamily: Tripterygiinae
Max. size:  3.4 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 27 m
Distribution:  Eastern Central Pacific: Austral Islands, French Polynesia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 14-16; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-10; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 15-17. Short supraorbital tentacle; first dorsal fin shorter by about 50% than second dorsal fin; females dark bluish gray, bearing black double bars; back with series of pink blotches found on edges of scales; abdomen, chest, cheek, and lips pale gray with black spots; red coloration on top of head; a broad, oblique black band from eye to mouth and on chin; transparent dorsal fin bearing red rays; dusky anal and caudal fins; base of caudal black; males generally black with exception of abdomen and presence of a broad oblique band, that is light gray with black dots, on the cheek; fins colored similar as females except with more black on caudal. Dorsal rays III + XI-XIII + 8-10; lateral line interrupted, 17-21 + 14-18; mandibular pores 4-5 + 1 + 4-5 (Ref. 54980).
Biology:  Adults are found in shallow depths, including intertidal pools (Ref. 27223). Eggs are hemispherical to somewhat flattened (Ref. 240, 94114).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 03 May 2010 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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