Fin's Fish Guide
The Caneva's blenny (Microlipophrys canevae) is a saltwater fish of the family Blenniidae that grows up to 8 cm.
Mediterranean Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, on shallow rocky shores in the surf.
Description
Caneva's blenny is a small, scaleless rock fish of the family Blenniidae reaching about 8 cm. The stout body is brownish with dark cross-bars; breeding males develop a striking yellow head and a yellow tinge over the body. The species lives in the shallow, turbulent surf zone on rocky shores of the Mediterranean and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, sheltering among stones and in crevices. As a bottom-dweller it grazes on algae and small invertebrates. The male defends a cavity and guards the eggs laid in it until they hatch. Because of its small size it has no fishery importance, but it is a common and colourful sight on shallow Mediterranean rocky shores.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Caneva's blenny?
The Caneva's blenny has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Small rock blenny; breeding males take on a yellow head and body with narrow dark vertical bars.
Where does the Caneva's blenny live?
The Caneva's blenny lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Mediterranean Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, on shallow rocky shores in the surf.
How big does the Caneva's blenny get?
The Caneva's blenny grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.
Is the Caneva's blenny dangerous to humans?
No, the Caneva's blenny is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Caneva's blenny edible?
The Caneva's blenny is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Caneva's blenny and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Microlipophrys
More from the family Blenniidae
Want the complete picture on the Caneva's blenny?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Caneva's blenny is one of 12,519 species in the app.