Fin's Fish Guide
The Roughhead blenny (Acanthemblemaria aspera) is a saltwater fish of the family Chaenopsidae that grows up to 4 cm.
Description
The roughhead blenny is a small tube blenny (Chaenopsidae) from the western Atlantic and the Caribbean. The species grows to only a few centimetres and has an elongate little body with a granular, rough head, to which the name refers, and crest-like skin flaps. It almost always lives in empty tubes and holes of coral and calcareous worms, where it lies on the lookout with its head poking out and darts back when threatened. It feeds on amphipods and copepods carried by the current. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Roughhead blenny?
The Roughhead blenny has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Rough, granular head; lives in empty tube-worm tubes and watches with its head sticking out.
Where does the Roughhead blenny live?
The Roughhead blenny lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Atlantic and Caribbean; coral reefs.
How big does the Roughhead blenny get?
The Roughhead blenny grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.
Is the Roughhead blenny dangerous to humans?
No, the Roughhead blenny is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Roughhead blenny edible?
The Roughhead blenny is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Acanthemblemaria
More from the family Chaenopsidae
Want the complete picture on the Roughhead blenny?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Roughhead blenny is one of 12,519 species in the app.