Cirripectes heemstraorum Williams, 2010
Yellowtail blenny
photo by King, D.R.

Family:  Blenniidae (Combtooth blennies), subfamily: Salariinae
Max. size:  4.85 cm SL (male/unsexed); 7.06 cm SL (female)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 17 m
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: Africa.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 16-16; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 17-17; Vertebrae: 32-32. This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: nape with greatly expanded black nuchal flap on both sides; 10-13 independently based cirri distributed between the nuchal flaps; dorsal fin entire; 5-6 total supraorbital cirri, 6-8 total nasal cirri; males with small dark spots posteriorly on body coalescing into short black stripes on caudal peduncle; females with brilliant yellow caudal fin (pale when preserved; contrasting sharply with dark brown body); in males the outer half of caudal fin is brilliant yellow (Ref. 85156).
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: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 05 May 2010 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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