Suspiria blenny
📖 Overview
Suspiria blenny (Cirripectes matatakaro) is a ray-finned fish of the family Blenniidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in reef-associated environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 5.8 cm. It occurs at depths between 10 and 32 metres. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 15; Vertebrae: 30. This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following set of characters: male genital papilla with two widely separated slender filaments to either side of the gonopore, type I sensu Williams (1988); nuchal cirri is divided into two, rarely three or four, groups always slightly separated dorsally on nape with bases swollen beneath ventralmost cirri on either side; overall shape of the transverse row of nuchal cirri modally type I and sometimes type II (types C and G sensu Williams), with 32-38 independently based cirri; dorsal separation in row of nuchal cirri 0.1-0.7 mm (median width 0.3 mm); where interrupted laterally, lateral breaks in the row of nuchal cirri 0-0.4 mm in width (median width 0 mm); sensory pore structure is directly posterior to lateral center of row of nuchal cirri type I, posterior and parallel to row of nuchal cirri, does not visibly penetrate through break (where present); 0-6 distinct LLT. Colouration: when alive, head commonly bright reddish orange on upper section with bright red spots and/or slashes extending dorsally and posteriorly from the snout and the outer ring of iris bright orange-red .Cross section: oval.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Suspiria blenny is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 10 - 32 m . Tropical Central Pacific: Marquesas, Gambier, Pitcairns, Tuamotus, and Austral Is.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Suspiria blenny.
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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