Helcogramma desa Williams & Howe, 2003
Neglected triplefin
photo by Winterbottom, R.

Family:  Tripterygiidae (Triplefin blennies), subfamily: Tripterygiinae
Max. size:  5.5 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; marine; depth range 0 - 7 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Philippines and Viet Nam.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 17-18; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-13; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 20-21. A species of Helcogramma (sensu Hansen, 1986) with 2 symphisial mandibular sensory pores, second dorsal fin spines XIV (three specimens with XV), third dorsal fin segmented rays 10-11, last ribs on vertebral centrum 10-11, vertebrae modally 10+28=38, pored lateral line scales modally 22 or 23, nape scales present, males with dusky anal fin.
Biology:  Adults are found at depths of 7 m and shallower, in surge channels and exposed coasts of rocky boulders (Ref. 90102). Eggs 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
Country info:  Known from the Cuyo Islands and Palawan (Ref. 52308, 90102).


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