This species is apparently a Batesian mimic of the saber-toothed blenny Meiacanthus grammistes. Observed to swim in open water in a similar fashion as this blenny by using its tail to swim rather than the pectoral fins; but if approached, it quickly swims to the cover of reefs (Ref. 48635). Sexually mature between 6 to 6.5 cm.

Western Pacific: known only from the Philippines and the Molucca Islands.

Western Pacific.

Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Analspines: 2; Analsoft rays: 8

Maximum size: 64 mm SL

10.0 cm TL (male/unsexed; (Ref. 48635))

Body with 4 black stripes; uppermost extending from nape along dorsal-fin base to caudal-fin base; stripes broken to dots posteriorly on caudal peduncle and caudal-fin base; the head between stripes yellowish; fins pale. Developed gill rakers on hypobranchial 1-2; on ceratobranchial 8. Preopercular edge usually smooth, sometimes with several weak serrae at angle (Ref. 8525). Mimics Malacanthus species; only close examination reveals the different mouth shape and the apogonid has two separate dorsal fins, whilst the blenny has a long continuous single fin (Ref. 48635).

Type for Cheilodipterus nigrotaeniatus
Catalog Number: USNM 70252
Collection: Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Fishes
Preparation: Radiograph
Year Collected: 1909
Locality: Sacol Island, Northeast, East of Zamboanga, Dyn., Sacol Island, Mindanao Group, Philippines, Philippine Archipelago, Pacific
Depth (m): 4 to 5
Vessel: Albatross

reef-associated; marine

Mouthbrooders (Ref. 240). Distinct pairing during courtship and spawning (Ref. 205).

Not Evaluated