Hypleurochilus langi (Fowler, 1923)
photo by Wirtz, P.

Family:  Blenniidae (Combtooth blennies), subfamily: Salariinae
Max. size:  8.3 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; brackish; marine,
Distribution:  Eastern Atlantic: northern Senegal to the mouth of the Congo (Ref. 4342, 81288). Also reported from Annobon Island (Ref. 5298).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-17; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 16-19. Diagnosis: length of supraorbital tentacles varies from approximately 2/3 of eye diameter to 2 times this diameter; longest tentacles occur in male specimens; shape of supraorbital tentacles varies from a single finger-like appendage bearing 2-4 filaments at the rear base to 4 appendages of almost equal length; anterior nostril forms a small tube which bears up to 4 cirri on posterior rim, only 1 in most cases; only one ring of cephalic sensory pores in infraorbital and preopercular series; lateral line does not reach beyond level of 8th-10th spine of dorsal fin; both males and females with a thin crest on head, but crest in females not as high as in males; dorsal fin with 12 spines and 14-17, generally 15-16, soft rays, last spine shorter than soft rays; anal fin with 2 spines and 16-19, generally 17-18, soft rays; caudal fin rounded (Ref. 81288). Coloration: in alcohol, uniformly clear brown, lower part of head and throat clearer; some individuals with a black spot on membrane between 1st and 3rd dorsal spines; sometimes flanks bearing vertical stripes darker (Ref. 81288).
Biology:  Euryhaline, entering mouth of large rivers and mangroves, but always in brackish water (Ref. 81288). 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). Maximum SL recorded was 7.0 cm (Ref. 4342).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 22 March 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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