Fin's Fish Guide
The Bay blenny (Hypsoblennius gentilis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Blenniidae that grows up to 15 cm.
Eastern Pacific; shallow bays and intertidal zones of the west coast of North America.
Description
The bay blenny is a small blenny of the family Blenniidae from the eastern Pacific off the west coast of North America. The species grows to about 15 cm and inhabits shallow tidal zones, bays and estuaries. The scaleless, stocky body is mottled brown, providing good camouflage among rocks and growth. The fish is strongly territorial and feeds on small benthic invertebrates and algae. It is a demersal spawner: the adhesive eggs are laid on the walls of cavities and on hard substrate and guarded by the male. The bay blenny is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bay blenny?
The Bay blenny has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Scaleless, marbled body; strongly territorial inhabitant of bays and intertidal zones.
Where does the Bay blenny live?
The Bay blenny lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific; shallow bays and intertidal zones of the west coast of North America.
How big does the Bay blenny get?
The Bay blenny grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.
Is the Bay blenny dangerous to humans?
No, the Bay blenny is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Bay blenny edible?
The Bay blenny is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Hypsoblennius
More from the family Blenniidae
Want the complete picture on the Bay blenny?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bay blenny is one of 12,519 species in the app.