Queensland Combtooth Blenny

Ecsenius mandibularis

The Queensland Combtooth Blenny, also known as Ecsenius mandibularis, is a small reef fish found primarily in the western Pacific Ocean, notably along the southern edge of the Great Barrier Reef. It reaches a maximum length of 7.5 cm and is characterized by its elongated, oval body shape. This blenny is distinguished by having 11 to 12 dorsal spines and 14 to 16 dorsal soft rays, along with 2 anal spines and 16 to 18 anal soft rays. Its dentition includes 45 to 53 dentary incisor teeth, with anterior canine teeth resembling incisors, and 3 to 8 posterior dentary canines on each side in specimens over 25 mm in standard length. This species inhabits coral reefs and is commonly found in shallow coastal waters, with recorded depths up to 40 meters, though most occurrences are shallower than 10 meters. The Queensland Combtooth Blenny is herbivorous, feeding primarily on benthic algae and weeds. It is oviparous, with eggs that are adhesive and attached to substrates via a filamentous pad. The larvae are planktonic and typically found in shallow waters. Divers encountering this blenny can expect to find it on coastal reefs, where it exhibits reef-dwelling and herbivorous behavior. The species is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.