Helcogramma cerasina Williams & Howe, 2003
photo by Williams, J.T.

Family:  Tripterygiidae (Triplefin blennies), subfamily: Tripterygiinae
Max. size:  4.25 cm SL (male/unsexed); 4 cm SL (female)
Environment:  benthopelagic; marine; depth range 0 - 12 m
Distribution:  Western Central Pacific: Tonga Islands and Fiji Islands.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 17-18; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-13; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 19-22; Vertebrae: 37-39. A species of Helcogramma (sensu Hansen, 1986) with 1-2 symphisial mandibular sensory pores, second dorsal fin spines XIV-XV (typically XIV), last ribs modally on vertebral centrum 12, vertebrae modally 11+27=38, 23-29 pored lateral line scales, nape without scales, and males with anal fin red in life becoming translucent in preservative.
Biology:  Female members of the Tripterygiidae have eggs that are hemispherical and covered with numerous sticky threads that anchor them in the algae on the nesting sites (Ref. 240). Larvae are planktonic which occur primarily in shallow, nearshore waters (Ref. 94114).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 03 May 2010 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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