Istiblennius lineatus is one of several relatively small blenny species that inhabit shallow reef flats in the Maldives, and some of these blennies are adapted to the surf-swept intertidal zones, allowing them to leap from one pool to another.
Details
§ 01
size
Max. 14 cm
color
Pale grey with dark brown longitudinal lines, some interconnecting, breaking into short lines and spots on caudal peduncle. Some vertical to slightly diagonal dark lines on cheek and behind the eye. 6 pairs of small dark brown spots along base of dorsal fin; dorsal fin with diagonal whitish lines.
This species is commonly found in areas of rocky coastline, particularly in the shallow pools of water left by the tide.
distinctive characters
The dorsal fin has 13 spines and 21-25 rays, the anal fin has 2 spines and 22-24 rays, the pectoral rays are 14, and the pelvic fin has 1 spine and 3 rays. The upper lip is crenulate and the lower lip is smooth. Males have a crest on their head, and a short, triangular cirrus over their eye at a right angle to the surface of the eye, with fringed edges. There are no cirri on the nape.