Synopsis
We described aspects of the life history of the small, cryptic, triplefin blenny, Enneapterygius atriceps, collected from the mouth of Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, Hawaii. We examined otolith microstructure to construct a von Bertalanffy growth curve, described a length–weight relationship, performed a detailed dietary analysis, used standard histological techniques to determine size at maturity and reproductive patterns, determined batch fecundity, and used an index of gonadal development to examine spawning seasonality. Enneapterygius atriceps is a remarkably short-lived species with low fecundity and a short, well-defined breeding season. Dietary analysis suggests this fish lives and feeds around the bases of dead coral heads. This study generated the first otolith-based growth curve for any member of the Tripterygiidae.
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Longenecker, K., Langston, R. Life history of the Hawaiian blackhead triplefin, Enneapterygius atriceps(Blennioidei, Tripterygiidae). Environ Biol Fish 73, 243–251 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10641-004-5332-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10641-004-5332-9