Fin's Fish Guide
The Rusty blenny (Parablennius sanguinolentus) is a saltwater fish of the family Blenniidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, in the surf on rocky shores.
Description
The rusty blenny is a stout, scaleless blenny of the family Blenniidae reaching about 20 cm. The stocky body has a blunt head profile and a red-brown, mottled pattern that blends well among weedy rocks. The species is a typical inhabitant of the turbulent surf zone on rocky shores of the Mediterranean, the Black Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic. Unlike many blennies it is mainly herbivorous, grazing algae from the rocks, sometimes supplemented with small invertebrates. The male fiercely defends a cavity and guards the eggs laid in it until they hatch. Because of its small size it has no fishery importance, but it is common on shallow rocky shores.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Rusty blenny?
The Rusty blenny has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Sturdy blenny of the surf zone with a blunt head profile and a reddish brown, marbled pattern; grazes algae from rocks.
Where does the Rusty blenny live?
The Rusty blenny lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, in the surf on rocky shores.
How big does the Rusty blenny get?
The Rusty blenny grows to a maximum of about 20 cm. On average the species is around 13 cm.
Is the Rusty blenny dangerous to humans?
No, the Rusty blenny is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Rusty blenny edible?
The Rusty blenny is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Rusty 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 Parablennius
More from the family Blenniidae
Want the complete picture on the Rusty blenny?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Rusty blenny is one of 12,519 species in the app.