Fin's Fish Guide
The Peacock blenny (Salaria pavo) is a brackish-water fish of the family Blenniidae that grows up to 14 cm.
Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, on shallow rocky and stony bottoms, often in brackish lagoons and estuaries.
Description
The peacock blenny is a colourful, scaleless blenny of the family Blenniidae reaching about 14 cm. The greenish body bears narrow, blue-green cross-bars; adult males have a striking high crest on the head and an eyespot-like, blue-rimmed marking at the front of the dorsal fin, while females are more subdued. The species lives on shallow rock and stone bottoms of the Mediterranean, the Black Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, often in brackish lagoons and estuaries where few other fish thrive. As an omnivore it grazes algae and seeks small crustaceans, worms and molluscs. The male defends a cavity or empty shell and guards the clutch laid in it.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Peacock blenny?
The Peacock blenny has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly green and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Colourful blenny; adult males have a high crest on the head and blue-rimmed eyespot-like markings on the dorsal fin.
Where does the Peacock blenny live?
The Peacock blenny lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, on shallow rocky and stony bottoms, often in brackish lagoons and estuaries.
How big does the Peacock blenny get?
The Peacock blenny grows to a maximum of about 14 cm.
Is the Peacock blenny dangerous to humans?
No, the Peacock blenny is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Peacock blenny edible?
The Peacock blenny is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Peacock 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 Salaria
More from the family Blenniidae
Want the complete picture on the Peacock blenny?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Peacock blenny is one of 12,519 species in the app.