Akihito futuna Keith, Marquet & Watson 2008

Species distinguished by females having 4-7 closely set, slightly flexible tricuspid premaxillary teeth and 2-4 canine-like teeth at the tips of the premaxilla; adult males with 4-7 premaxillary fixed recurved conical to canine-like teeth; females with 19-20 scales along lateral midline; small tongue, rounded and mostly free from floor of mouth anteriorly; pelvic disc fused to belly between fifth rays only (Ref. 75883).

Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9 - 10; Analspines: 1; Analsoft rays: 9 - 10

Lives in clear running waters, on rocky bottoms, in the River Vanifao. Amphidromous species. After spawning in freshwater, the larvae migrate to the sea where they will be planctonic for a few months. They migrate back to the rivers when they reach the post-larval stage. Seem to prefer high sites above 80 m where they feed on aquatic insects and crustaceans (Ref. 87775).

Occurs in swift clear streams with rocky bottom; collected at an altitude of 147 m. Observed to swim in open water and are not always on the bottom of the river. Although feeding habits have not been studied, a few examined specimens apparently feed on aquatic insects and crustaceans (Atyidae) (ref. 75883).