Plagiotremus laudandus (Whitley, 1961)
Bicolour fangblenny
Plagiotremus laudandus
photo by Adams, M.J.

Family:  Blenniidae (Combtooth blennies), subfamily: Blenniinae
Max. size:  8 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 30 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Philippines and Ryukyu Islands to the Gilbert Islands, New Caledonia, and Samoa, north to Izu Islands, south to Rowley Shoals and Lord Howe Island; throughout Micronesia. Subspecies Plagiotremus laudandus flavus occurs in Fiji and Tonga.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 7-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 27-30; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 22-24. Color variable, usually grey-blue and posterior part of the body often paler or yellow (Ref. 48636).
Biology:  Adults are found solitary in coastal, lagoon and seaward reefs from below the surge zone to 30 m depth (Ref. 9710, 90102). They feed on skin, scales, fins and mucus of other fish. 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). A mimic of Meiacanthus atrodorsalis (Ref. 2334). Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 128797.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 27 March 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:  Known from Enewetak and Majuro. Also Ref. 1602.


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