Ecsenius tigris Springer, 1988
Tiger combtooth blenny
Ecsenius tigris
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Blenniidae (Combtooth blennies), subfamily: Salariinae
Max. size:  5 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine
Distribution:  Western Pacific: known thus far only from Osprey, Bougainville, and Holmes Reefs in the western Coral Sea.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-14; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 15-16; Vertebrae: 32-32. Dorsal fin XII.13 or 14 (usually 14), deep notch between spinous and segmented ray areas. Anal fin II,15 or 16 (usually 16). Pectoral fin 12-14 (usually 13). Caudal fin 13. Vertebrae 10 + 22. Dentary incisor teeth 42-4, which includes anterior canine teeth very similar in appearance with incisors; posterior canines one on each side. Lateral line lacking vertical pairs of pores, terminating posteriorly at point between vertical from interspace between dorsal-fin spines 10 and 11 and vertical from spine 12. With short cirrus on posterior rim of anterior nostril, none on anterior rim. Four to six conspicuous, dark spots on dorsal body contour at base of spinous dorsal fin; 2 vertical pairs of dark spots on caudal peduncle (Ref. 5296).
Biology:  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: Vulnerable (VU); Date assessed: 25 March 2009 (D2) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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