Microlipophrys canevae (Vinciguerra, 1880)
photo by Iliopoulos, A.I.

Family:  Blenniidae (Combtooth blennies), subfamily: Salariinae
Max. size:  7.5 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 0 - 2 m
Distribution:  Northeast Atlantic: off southern Portugal and in the Mediterranean Sea.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 8-8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-15; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 16-16. Description: Mature males during the breeding period (similar to its congeners under Microlipophrys) take a typical color with a yellow and black head (known as 'reproductive mask'). All general and specific morphological and chromatic features reported for the paratype of L. heuvelmansi clearly refer to a mature male specimen of M. canevae (Ref. 106103).
Biology:  Adults prefer steep rocky walls. They feed on small invertebrates especially crustaceans; also feed predominantly on algae (Ref. 5981). 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: 10 March 2014 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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