Helcogramma albimacula Williams & Howe, 2003
Whitespot triplefin
photo by Hazes, B.

Family:  Tripterygiidae (Triplefin blennies), subfamily: Tripterygiinae
Max. size:  4.2 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; marine; depth range 0 - 5 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 16-18; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-12; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 20-22; Vertebrae: 37-37. A species of Helcogramma (sensu Hansen, 1986) with 2 symphysial mandibular sensory pores, second dorsal fin spines usually XIV (two of 80 specimens with XIII and 11 with XV), third dorsal fin segmented rays 10-11, last ribs on vertebral centrum 10, vertebrae modally 10+27=37, pored lateral line scales modally 19 or 20, nape scales present, males with dusky anal fin, both sexes with distinctive pale (red in life), oblong streak over lowest pectoral fin ray bases, adult males first dorsal elongate, reaching base of fourth to sixth spine of second dorsal fin when depressed (Ref. 52308).
Biology:  Adults are found at depths of 5 m and shallower, in surge channels and exposed boulders (Ref. 90102). Eggs are hemispherical and covered with numerous sticky threads that anchor them in the algae on the nesting sites (Ref. 240). Larvae are planktonic which occur primarily in shallow, nearshore waters (Ref. 94114). Minimum depth from Ref. 58018.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 03 May 2010 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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