Fin's Fish Guide
The Montagu's blenny (Coryphoblennius galerita) is a saltwater fish of the family Blenniidae that grows up to 8 cm.
Eastern Atlantic from the British Isles to Northwest Africa and the Mediterranean Sea.
Description
Montagu's blenny is a small, scaleless fish of the family Blenniidae reaching about 8 cm. Instead of the feathery tentacles above the eyes that many blennies have, this species bears a transverse skin crest across the head. The stout body is brownish and heavily mottled, good camouflage among stones and weeds. The species lives in tide pools and on shallow rocky shores of the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean. It grazes mainly on the protruding feeding legs (cirri) of barnacles and on small invertebrates. The male defends a territory and guards the eggs laid in a crevice.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Montagu's blenny?
The Montagu's blenny has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Small blenny with a transverse skin ridge (crest) across the head instead of tentacles above the eyes; inhabitant of tide pools.
Where does the Montagu's blenny live?
The Montagu's blenny lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic from the British Isles to Northwest Africa and the Mediterranean Sea.
How big does the Montagu's blenny get?
The Montagu's blenny grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.
Is the Montagu's blenny dangerous to humans?
No, the Montagu's blenny is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Montagu's blenny edible?
The Montagu's blenny is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Montagu's blenny and live in the same waters.
Want the complete picture on the Montagu's blenny?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Montagu's blenny is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Blenniidae
Want the complete picture on the Montagu's blenny?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Montagu's blenny is one of 12,519 species in the app.