Blennies are a diverse group of fish that are popular in the aquarium hobby. With over 900 known species, blennies vary in size, shape, and color. They are mostly small, slim, and range in form from moderately elongated to short and chubby.
Blennies are mostly found in marine environments, from tropical to cold seas, and are generally bottom-dwelling fishes, with many living in shallow water. Some blenny species have venomous fangs, while others are herbivorous or carnivorous.
You are reading: 11 Unique Types Of Blenny Fish
In this article, we will explore 11 unique types of blenny fish, from the diminutive Finescale Blenny to the large Meiacanthus Grammistes, that offer something for every aquarium enthusiast.
11 Unique Types Of Blenny Fish
Orange Spotted Blenny
The Orange Spotted Blenny, also known as the Redspotted Blenny or Red-spotted Rockskipper, is a popular saltwater aquarium fish. This blenny has a long, slender body that is white with orange to reddish spots along its sides. The spots on its body pop off of the white background, making it a beautiful addition to any aquarium.
The Orange Spotted Blenny is found in the Indo-Pacific inhabiting clear reef flats and seaward reefs up to a depth of 60 meters. This blenny is considered reef safe, but should be monitored in tanks with stony corals and clam mantles as they can sometimes nip at them.
The Orange Spotted Blenny is mostly peaceful, but does not tolerate other herbivorous fish. It is important to note that this blenny can be fragile and may require special care during the acclimation process.
Canary Blenny
The Canary Blenny, also known as the Oualan Forktail Blenny or Canary Fang Blenny, is a small and vividly colorful saltwater aquarium fish. This blenny is aptly named, being a solid vibrant yellow with a slight green hue on their head.
The Canary Blenny is endemic to the tropical reefs of the Indo-Pacific, specifically off Fiji and Tonga, where it feeds on zooplankton. This exotic fish is a natural choice for a reef aquarium, as it is considered reef safe and will not harm corals or other invertebrates.
However, it is important to note that the Canary Blenny has venomous fangs that are used as defense against predators. While this blenny is mostly peaceful, it does not tolerate other herbivorous fish.
The Canary Blenny is a bold fish that belongs to a group of fishes commonly called saber-toothed blennies. It is a small fish, growing up to 3.9 inches (10 cm) in length.
Striped Blenny
The Striped Blenny, also known as the Gammistes Blenny, Striped Fang Blenny, or Striped Poison-Fang Blenny, is a venomous species of combtooth blenny from the western Pacific Ocean.
This blenny is stout and deep-bodied, with a pointed snout and long continuous dorsal fin. It is brown with tan wavy bands stretching the length of its body, and on the dorsal fin near the head is a small blue spot. The Striped Blenny is a relatively small fish, growing up to 4.5 inches (11 cm) in length.
This venomous species occasionally makes its way into the aquarium trade, but it is important to note that it has relatively large fangs (canine teeth) that protrude from the lower jaw. The venom of the Striped Blenny has been found to have potential as a painkiller.
The Striped Blenny is native to reef-associated open waters in the Western Pacific Ocean from Australia to the Ryukyu Islands, where it lives a solitary life.
This blenny is considered reef safe, but should be monitored in tanks with stony corals and clam mantles as they can sometimes nip at them.
Two Spot Blenny
The Two Spot Blenny, also known as the Twinspot Coralblenny or Two Spot Bimaculatus Blenny, is a small and colorful saltwater aquarium fish. This blenny is named for the two characteristic black splotches on either side of its stomach.
The Two Spot Blenny is native to the Indo-West Pacific Ocean, specifically the Philippines and northwestern Borneo, where it inhabits shallow rocky reef crests. This blenny is a peaceful fish that is considered reef safe and will not harm corals or other invertebrates.
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The Two Spot Blenny is a small fish, growing up to 2 inches (4 cm) in length. It has very large eyes and a small mouth, giving it a unique appearance. The Two Spot Blenny is a popular choice for aquarium enthusiasts due to its peaceful nature and striking appearance.
Sailfin Blenny
The Sailfin Blenny, also known as the Jewelled Rockskipper, Lawnmower, or Rock Blenny, is a small and colorful saltwater aquarium fish. There are several species of sailfin blennies, but Emblemaria pandionis is the most commonly referred to as the sailfin blenny.
This blenny is native to the Caribbean Sea, where it inhabits rocky and coral reefs. The Sailfin Blenny is a carnivore, feeding on small invertebrates and plankton such as copepods, amphipods, isopods, and decapods. It is a small fish, growing up to 6 centimeters (2.4 inches) in length.
The Sailfin Blenny is occasionally found in the aquarium trade, but it is important to note that it requires ample live rock with microalgae growth on which it can forage for food.
The Sailfin Blenny is a peaceful fish that is considered reef safe and will not harm corals or other invertebrates. It is a unique fish with a personality that matches, making it an enjoyable addition to any aquarium.
Scooter Blenny
The Scooter Blenny, also known as the Ocellated Dragonet, is a small and colorful saltwater fish that is often mistakenly referred to as a blenny. This fish is native to the southwest Pacific Ocean, from southern Japan to the Marquesan Islands.
The Scooter Blenny has a mottled brown and white body with red highlights, and males are usually more colorful and have a large sail-like dorsal fin that is bright orange at the base.
The Scooter Blenny grows to approximately 8 centimeters (3.1 inches) long and is distinctly diamond-shaped when viewed from above, with the horizontal pectoral fins located at its widest point.
The Scooter Blenny is a reef-associated bottom-dwelling fish that inhabits shallow, tropical waters, usually sandy lagoons or rocky reefs. They tend to form loose congregations of several individuals, but do not exhibit schooling behavior or other forms of social cooperation.
The Scooter Blenny’s diet consists almost entirely of copepods, small zooplankton living in the water column. The Scooter Blenny is considered moderately difficult to care for and requires a minimum tank size of 55 gallons (208 liters). It is a carnivore and is reef safe, but should be monitored in tanks with stony corals and clam mantles as they can sometimes nip at them.
Fang Blenny
The Fang Blenny, also known as the Striped Fang Blenny, Striped Poison-Fang Blenny, or Grammistes Blenny, is a venomous species of combtooth blenny from the western Pacific Ocean.
This blenny is stout and deep-bodied, with a pointed snout and long continuous dorsal fin. It is brown with tan wavy bands stretching the length of its body, and on the dorsal fin near the head is a small blue spot.
The Fang Blenny is a relatively small fish, growing up to 4.5 inches (11 cm) in length. This venomous species occasionally makes its way into the aquarium trade, but it is important to note that it has relatively large fangs (canine teeth) that protrude from the lower jaw.
The venom of the Fang Blenny has been found to have potential as a painkiller. The Fang Blenny is native to reef-associated open waters in the Western Pacific Ocean from Australia to the Ryukyu Islands, where it lives a solitary life.
The Fang Blenny is considered reef safe, but should be monitored in tanks with stony corals and clam mantles as they can sometimes nip at them.
Midas Blenny
The Midas Blenny, also known as the Persian Blenny, Lyretail Blenny, or Golden Blenny, is a species of marine fish in the family Blenniidae. This blenny is a beautiful, deep golden-yellow with a shadow of blue under the chin and bright, almost neon blue eyes.
The Midas Blenny is widespread throughout the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific area from the eastern coast of Africa, Red Sea included, to the Marquesan Islands.
It grows to a size of 13 cm in length. Its normal color is golden orange, but it can adapt its color (mimicry) to match the color of the fishes it mixes with. It shows a black spot near the anus and is often seen in the company of the lyretail anthias (Pseudanthias squamipinnis).
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The Midas Blenny is a planktivore, feeding on small invertebrates and plankton such as copepods, amphipods, isopods, and decapods. The Midas Blenny is an excellent candidate for a reef tank and is considered reef safe, meaning it will not harm corals or other invertebrates.
It occasionally makes its way into the aquarium trade. The Midas Blenny is a popular choice for aquarium enthusiasts due to its striking appearance and unique personality.
Starry Blenny
The Starry Blenny, also known as the Snowflake Blenny, is a species of combtooth blenny from the Western Central Pacific. It occasionally makes its way into the aquarium trade.
The Starry Blenny has a dark brown base color with multiple white to light blue dots over its entire body. Its pectoral and tail fins are yellow. This species can reach a length of 14 centimeters (5.5 inches) TL. The Starry Blenny is a quirky and hard-working saltwater fish that will munch on algae in a mature aquarium and help keep your reef looking clean.
However, it is important to note that some Starry Blennies have been known to nip at SPS corals. In the wild, the Starry Blenny feeds on algae and small invertebrates. In an aquarium, it will graze on microalgae on the rocks and glass and will also take Nori from a clip.
Bicolor Blenny
The Bicolor Blenny, also known as the Two-colored Blenny or Flame Tail Blenny, is a popular saltwater aquarium fish that frequently makes its way into the aquarium trade. This blenny belongs to the Bleniidae family, also known as the “comb-tooth” blennies, and grows to a size of 11 centimeters (4.3 inches) in length.
The Bicolor Blenny is a natural “worker bee” of the seas, with rows of tiny, comb-like teeth lining its jaw to help busily strip algae from corals and rocks. This blenny is a cute little fish that will add personality to any aquarium.
The Bicolor Blenny has a brown front half of the body fading into a yellow-orange in the middle half of its body, giving it a unique appearance. The Bicolor Blenny is a peaceful fish that is considered reef safe and will not harm corals or other invertebrates. It is a hardy fish that is easy to care for and is a great choice for beginners.
The Bicolor Blenny is a beautiful, exotic fish that is relatively inexpensive compared to other fish of matching magnificence, with a price ranging from $16 to $80.
Tailspot Blenny
The Tailspot Blenny, also known as the Tail Spot Blenny, is a popular saltwater aquarium fish that is native to the Western Pacific. This blenny is a coppery-colored fish with a distinct blackish spot at the base of the tail. It has some vibrant colors below the eye which can be made bright pink if the fish is stressed or frightened.
The Tailspot Blenny has a bi-color pattern with a big black dot, and a black and yellow band runs below each eye, aiding them in blending into their surroundings. This blenny is a small fish, growing up to 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) in length.
The Tailspot Blenny is a peaceful fish that is considered reef safe and will not harm corals or other invertebrates. It is a hardy fish that is easy to care for and is a great choice for beginners.
The Tailspot Blenny is a charming and delightful addition to saltwater marine aquariums, with its endearing behaviors and unique markings. It is a relatively inexpensive fish, with a price ranging from $16 to $80.
FAQS
1. What are blenny fish?
Blenny fish are a diverse group of marine fish that come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. They are mostly small, slim, and range in form from moderately elongated to short and chubby. Blennies are mostly found in marine environments, from tropical to cold seas, and are generally bottom-dwelling fishes.
2. Are blenny fish reef safe?
Many blenny species are considered reef safe, meaning they will not harm corals or other invertebrates. However, some blenny species may nip at stony corals and clam mantles, so they should be monitored in tanks with these types of organisms.
3. What do blenny fish eat?
Blenny fish are omnivores, feeding on a variety of small invertebrates and plankton such as copepods, amphipods, isopods, and decapods. Some blenny species are herbivorous, feeding on algae and other plant matter.
4. Can blenny fish be kept in a freshwater aquarium?
No, blenny fish are marine fish and require a saltwater aquarium to survive.
5. Are blenny fish hardy and easy to care for?
Many blenny species are hardy and easy to care for, making them a great choice for beginners. However, some blenny species may require special care during the acclimation process.
6. Are blenny fish expensive?
The price of blenny fish varies depending on the species and where you purchase them. Some blenny species are relatively inexpensive, while others can be quite expensive.
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