Ecsenius trilineatus Springer, 1972
Three-lined blenny
photo by Patzner, R.

Family:  Blenniidae (Combtooth blennies), subfamily: Salariinae
Max. size:  3 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 2 - 10 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Western Central Pacific: known only from the small islands in the Moluccas, New Guinea and eastward to Florida Island, Solomon Islands.
Diagnosis:  Distinctive species, easily identified by the thin dark lines and bright white spots. The Bali specimens are generally paler and have smaller white spots than those from Flores and Sangihe Islands but this maybe habitat related (Ref. 48636).
Biology:  Adults are found solitary or in small groups perched on corals, sponges, and tunicates (Ref. 90102) in coastal reef crests (Ref. 8631, 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: 04 February 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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