Petroscirtes xestus Jordan & Seale, 1906
Xestus sabretooth blenny
Petroscirtes xestus
photo by Randall, J.E.

 Family:  Blenniidae (Combtooth blennies), subfamily: Blenniinae
 Max. size:  7.5 cm TL (male/unsexed)
 Environment:  reef-associated; depth range 0 - 12 m
 Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: East Africa to the Line and Society Islands, north to Mariana Islands, south to the southern Great Barrier Reef; throughout Micronesia. Likely at Seychelles (Ref. 1623).
 Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 10-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-16. Has a tall dorsal fin and small tufts below the chin (Ref. 48636). Resembles P. thepassii and P. variabilis but usually has fewer total dorsal fin elements (Ref. 37816).
 Biology:  Adults occur solitary (Ref. 90102) usually over sandy areas of reef flats and shallow lagoons. Small juveniles were found below the upside-down jelly Cassiopea that moves over sandy substrates providing safe travel (Ref. 48636). Eggs are attached to the substrate via a filamentous, adhesive pad or pedestal (Ref. 94114). Females nest in empty mollusk shells (Ref. 1602). Larvae are planktonic, often found in shallow, coastal waters (Ref. 94114).
 IUCN Red List Status:   (Ref. 96402)
 Threat to humans:  harmless
 Country info:  Also Ref. 90102.

 Entered by: Capuli, Estelita Emily - 15.07.92
 Modified by: Valdestamon, Roxanne Rei - 04.06.15
 Checked by: Garilao, Cristina V. - 18.12.96

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