Neglected Triplefin

A species of Helcogramma (sensu Hansen, 1986) with 2 symphisial mandibular sensory pores, second dorsal fin spines XIV (three specimens with XV), third dorsal fin segmented rays 10-11, last ribs on vertebral centrum 10-11, vertebrae modally 10+28=38, pored lateral line scales modally 22 or 23, nape scales present, males with dusky anal fin.

Dorsal spines (total): 17 - 18; Dorsal soft rays (total): 113; Analspines: 1; Analsoft rays: 20 - 21

Adults are found at depths of 7 m and shallower, in surge channels and exposed coasts of rocky boulders (Ref. 90102). 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).

Helcogramma desa, the neglected triplefin, is a species of triplefin blenny in the genus Helcogramma. It was described by Jeffery T. Williams and Jeffrey C. Howe in 2003. This species is known from the western Pacific in Vietnam and the Philippines, including the Spratly Islands.