Fin's Fish Guide
The Rock-pool blenny (Parablennius parvicornis) is a saltwater fish of the family Blenniidae that grows up to 12 cm.
Eastern Atlantic around the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands and adjacent coasts.
Description
The rock-pool blenny is a small, scaleless fish of the family Blenniidae reaching about 12 cm. It has a blunt, rounded head with small fringed tentacles above the eyes, a continuous dorsal fin and a stout body in brown, heavily mottled camouflage colours. The species lives in tide pools and on rocky shores of the eastern Atlantic around the Azores, Madeira and the Canary Islands, often in very shallow water. It grazes on algae and small invertebrates. It is a bottom-dweller that shelters among stones and crevices; the male defends a territory and guards the deposited eggs until they hatch.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Rock-pool blenny?
The Rock-pool blenny has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Small, scaleless rock-pool fish with a blunt head, small fringe-like appendages (tentacles) above the eyes and strong camouflage colours.
Where does the Rock-pool blenny live?
The Rock-pool blenny lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic around the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands and adjacent coasts.
How big does the Rock-pool blenny get?
The Rock-pool blenny grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.
Is the Rock-pool blenny dangerous to humans?
No, the Rock-pool blenny is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Rock-pool blenny edible?
The Rock-pool blenny is not usually eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Rock-pool blenny?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Rock-pool 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 Parablennius
More from the family Blenniidae
Want the complete picture on the Rock-pool blenny?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Rock-pool blenny is one of 12,519 species in the app.