Tripterygion melanurum Guichenot 1850

Body permanently red in color, females and non-territorial males with marbled head; in territorial males black; slightly dark, vertical bars, often white spots and bars along back (Ref. 4785). Territorial males with prolonged rays in second dorsal (Ref. 4785).

Several females lay eggs on substrate of males' territory, often on sponges; eggs are guarded by the male (Ref. 4785).

Dorsal spines (total): 17 - 19; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10 - 13; Analspines: 2; Analsoft rays: 22 - 25

Inhabits dimly-lit areas, clinging to walls or ceilings. Feeds on small invertebrates, especially harpacticoids.

Adults inhabit dimly-lit areas, clinging to walls or ceilings (Ref. 4785). They feed on small invertebrates, especially harpacticoids (Ref. 4785). Eggs are hemispherical and covered with numerous sticky threads that anchor them in the algae on the nesting sites (Ref. 240). Larvae are planktonic which occur primarily in shallow, nearshore waters (Ref. 94114).