zone de ressac - Discover fishes living in these biotopes

Aidablennius sphynx, known as the Sphinx blenny, lives in shallow and turbulent areas from the Mediterranean Sea to the Black Sea. Adults reside in rocky areas where they feed on algae and hunt small invertebrates, while juveniles seek refuge in seagrass beds to escape predators. This species is frequently observed near the shore, especially in algae-rich areas, and prefers rocky bottoms covered with algae and plant debris.

It lives at shallow depth. It is voracious and does not hesitate to strip fishermen’s hooks. Reproduction takes place from March to May. The male delimits a territory with a natural crevice. Several females deposit sticky eggs. The male will watch the eggs until they hatch.

The skin of this species secretes a toxic mucus for predators and parasites. This fish is territorial and fights involving males are common. To lay eggs, both partners embrace and rise to the surface to release their reproductive cells that will be mixed by sea currents.