Fin's Fish Guide
The Barred blenny (Cirripectes polyzona) is a saltwater fish of the family Blenniidae that grows up to 13 cm.
Description
The barred blenny is a small blenny from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 13 cm and has a stocky body with dark cross-bars, fine red spots on the head and a transverse row of fringe-like skin appendages (cirri) across the nape. As a dweller of the turbulent reef flat and intertidal zone it clings to rocks and coral and rasps algal mat from the bottom with its comb-like mouth. The fish is harmless to humans and has no commercial value. The IUCN has not evaluated the species.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Barred blenny?
The Barred blenny has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Dark vertical bars and nape cirri; algae-rasping reef blenny
Where does the Barred blenny live?
The Barred blenny lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific
How big does the Barred blenny get?
The Barred blenny grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.
Is the Barred blenny dangerous to humans?
No, the Barred blenny is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Barred blenny edible?
The Barred blenny is not usually eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Barred blenny?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Barred blenny is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Cirripectes
More from the family Blenniidae
Want the complete picture on the Barred blenny?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Barred blenny is one of 12,519 species in the app.