Fin's Fish Guide
The Chestnut blenny (Cirripectes castaneus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Blenniidae that grows up to 9 cm.
Asia: Australia, Solomon Is., Sri Lanka, China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Christmas I. and others
Description
The chestnut blenny is a scaleless blenny (Blenniidae) from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 9 cm and has a stocky, chestnut-brown body with fine red streaks on the head and a row of fringe-like appendages on the nape. As a bottom-dweller it perches on coral and rocky reefs and grazes algae and growth. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Chestnut blenny?
The Chestnut blenny has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.
Where does the Chestnut blenny live?
The Chestnut blenny lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: Australia, Solomon Is., Sri Lanka, China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Christmas I. and others
How big does the Chestnut blenny get?
The Chestnut blenny grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.
Is the Chestnut blenny dangerous to humans?
No, the Chestnut 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 Chestnut blenny edible?
Yes, the Chestnut blenny is commonly eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Chestnut blenny?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Chestnut 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 Chestnut blenny?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Chestnut blenny is one of 12,519 species in the app.