Little Combtooth Blenny

Ecsenius minutus

The Little Combtooth Blenny is a small reef-associated fish found exclusively in the coral reefs of the Maldives, within the western Indian Ocean. It reaches a maximum length of 4 centimeters. This species is characterized by an elongated, oval body shape and distinct fin structures. It possesses 12 to 13 dorsal spines and 13 to 14 dorsal soft rays, along with 2 anal spines and 15 to 16 anal soft rays. A notable feature is the dark stripe on the pectoral-fin base and another curving stripe on the opercle. The Little Combtooth Blenny lacks a lateral line with vertical pairs of pores, which is a distinguishing trait within its family. This blenny primarily feeds on benthic algae and weeds, making it herbivorous. It is an oviparous species, with eggs that are demersal and adhesive, attaching to substrates via a filamentous pad. The larvae are planktonic and often found in shallow, coastal waters. The species exhibits distinct pairing during reproduction. Divers encountering the Little Combtooth Blenny will find it harmless and often see it grazing on algae. It is a species of least concern according to the IUCN Red List, and it is also commercially available for aquariums.