Ecsenius mandibularis McCulloch, 1923
Queensland combtooth blenny
Ecsenius mandibularis
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Blenniidae (Combtooth blennies), subfamily: Salariinae
Max. size:  7.5 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Queensland from Cape York Peninsula at 12°S to the Bunker Group, southern Great Barrier Reef.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 11-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-16; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 16-18. Dorsal fin XI-XII (typically XII), 14-16 (typically 15). Anal fin II,16-18 (typically 17). Pectoral fin 12 or 13 (rarely 12). Segmented caudal-fin rays 13. Vertebrae 10 or 11 (rarely 11) + 21-24 (rarely 21, usually 23) = 31-34. Dentary incisor teeth which includes anterior canine teeth very similar in appearance from incisors, 45-53; posterior dentary canines (specimens at least 25 mm SL) 3-8 on each side (rarely 3). Lateral line lacking pairs of pores, terminating posteriorly at point between verticals from dorsal-fin spines 9 and 11 (rarely surpassing vertical from 9). With cirrus on posterior rim of anterior nostril; absent on anterior rim.
Biology:  Adults are found on coastal reefs (Ref. 2334). 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: 25 March 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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