About Istiblennius dussumieri (Valenciennes, 1836)
Istiblennius dussumieri is a dusky-colored fish species.
Coloration Patterns
It has six to seven irregular double dusky bars along its flanks, a dark spot on the anterior portion of the dorsal fin between the first two spines, and additional dark spots on both its dorsal and caudal fins. Females have scattered dusky spots across their bodies that correspond to the bands found on males, while males have broad dark margins on their dorsal, caudal, and anal fins.
Maximum Size
This species reaches a maximum total length of 12 cm (4.7 in).
Distribution
Istiblennius dussumieri is distributed across the Indo-West Pacific region, and occurs marginally in the southeastern Atlantic.
Range Extent
Its range extends eastwards from the Cape of Good Hope through the Indian Ocean and western Pacific as far as Palau, south to Lord Howe Island, and north to Taiwan.
Japanese Record
It was first recorded in the Ryukyu Islands of Japan in 2006.
Habitat
This species inhabits very shallow rocky coasts, and is frequently found in the intertidal zone where water depth is less than 1 metre (3.3 ft).
Preferred Habitats
It prefers sheltered shorelines, where it often occurs alongside Istiblennius edentulus, and it can also be found in mangrove areas.
Reproduction
Istiblennius dussumieri is oviparous and forms mating pairs.
Egg and Larval Traits
Its eggs adhere to the substrate, and its planktonic larvae live in shallow coastal waters.
