M. crinitus, lineatus & naevius These three species share much in common with M. abditus, including a propensity for shallow-water coastal reefs. Were it not for their common presence in Melanesia, it would be easy to presume these two formed a single group. But in light of their broad [...]
M. vittatus, luteus, abruptus, vicinus & geminatus This quintumvirate of West Pacific fishes is easily recognized by the single (or double) stripe running along the length of the body and the short pelvic fins (which are elongated in the males of most other striped taxa). Some of the [...]
M. atrodorsalis, oualanensis, tongaensis, smithi, fraseri, mossambicus & nigrolineatus The atrodorsalis species complex represents the only widespread Indo-Pacific species group in the genus and is comprised of numerous endemic taxa, both scientifically described and undescribed. What [...]
M. bundoon, procne & reticulatus There are two major clades which are recognizable by the lack of prominent stripes along the body, as well as frequently possessing a diagonal line extending from the eye to the dorsal fin. The first to be discussed is the bundoon Group, comprised of [...]
M. grammistes & kamoharai Identifiable by a unique pectoral fin spot and the comblike extensions of the caudal fin, this pair of species exhibits an interesting biogeographical puzzle. The Striped Fangblenny (M. grammistes) is a common and widespread species throughout the West [...]
M. anema Surprisingly, this primarily marine genus has a single species which specializes in brackish waters. Specimens of M. anema have been found far upstream in pure freshwater, though it is presumed they are incapable of breeding there. They also seem to have a preference for very [...]
M. cf atrodorsalis from Ngulu Atoll, near Yap. Credit: Gerry Allen The Biogeography and Evolution of Meiacanthus Blennies are common and familiar fishes to aquarists, generally thought of as benthic creatures who make a living rasping algae from rocks. There is, however, a major lineage [...]
