rusty blenny

Scientific name Parablennius sanguinolentus
Descriptor Pallas
Year of description 1814
IUCN category (World) LC
Family Blenniidae
Genus Parablennius
Parablennius sanguinolentus Parablennius sanguinolentus

Introduction

The rusty blenny, Parablennius sanguinolentus, is a fish mainly found in the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea. It is also present not far from the Strait of Gibraltar on the coasts of the Atlantic Ocean.

Who is it?

Morphology

  • Average size
    13 cm
  • Maximum size
    20 cm
  • Shape
    Rectangular
  • Mimicry
    stone
  • Average size
    13 cm
  • Maximum size
    20 cm
  • Shape
    Rectangular
  • Mimicry
    stone

How to recognize This fish ?

With a slender, laterally compressed shape, this blenny is beige and brown in color, sometimes greenish, speckled with dark spots.

It has a flat mouth, opercula that meet under the head, and pelvic fins located just after the opercula.

Sexual dimorphism

There is no apparent dimorphism in this species.

Behaviour & Life cycle

  • diet
    herbivorous
  • Sociability
    solitary
  • territorial
    Yes
  • Way of living
    diurnal

Solitary like other blennies, the rusty blenny resides in "mixed" zones, between rocks and on the edges of rocks. It stays near areas covered with filamentous algae, preferably of the genus Ulva, which it feeds on. It sometimes makes "jumps" by swimming long distances between two rocks.

It is a particularly shy fish, difficult to approach. Its camouflage makes it practically invisible in rocky areas with a high concentration of algae.

Reproduction

  • Reproduction
    ovipare qui pond sur substrat caché

The rusty blenny is an oviparous fish that lays 3000 to 12000 eggs, on covered substrate, under a rock or in a cavity, from May to June.

Harmless species

This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.

Origin and distribution

Conservation status of populations (IUCN)

World : LC

What is its habitat?

Natural environment characteristics

  • Depth
    0 - 5 m

Biotope presentation

The rusty blenny is regularly seen near the shore. Although timid, it can be easily spotted, especially in low tide water retention areas. It frequents rocky floors covered with algae and plant debris.

Species of the same biotope

Fishkeeping

Not recommended

We do not recommend keeping this species in an aquarium. It has unpredictable needs which, if not met, generate significant stress, potentially leading to a shorter life expectancy, an interruption of its growth or the development of pathogens.

To go further

Species of the same family

To read on the web

Sources & Contributions

Participation & Validation

The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.

Adrien Falzon

Adrien Falzon

Benoit Chartrer

Benoit Chartrer

Translation

Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.

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Template and content © Fishipedia - Unauthorized reproduction without prior request - ISSN 2270-7247 - Last modification 12/11/2023

Scientific partners

Species of the same family

Same genus

Species of the same biotope

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