Fin's Fish Guide
The Sphinx blenny (Aidablennius sphynx) is a saltwater fish of the family Blenniidae that grows up to 8 cm.
Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea, on very shallow rocky shores in the surf.
Description
The sphinx blenny is a small, scaleless rock fish of the family Blenniidae reaching about 8 cm. The stout body has a steep head with a feathery skin flap above each eye and bears six to seven dark cross-bars with blue and orange accents. The species lives in the very shallow, turbulent surf zone on rocky shores of the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, sheltering among stones and in crevices. As a bottom-dweller it grazes on algae and small invertebrates. The male 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 a common and colourful sight on shallow Mediterranean rocky shores.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Sphinx blenny?
The Sphinx blenny has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Small rock blenny with a steep head and a feathered skin flap above each eye; six to seven dark vertical bars and blue and orange accents.
Where does the Sphinx blenny live?
The Sphinx blenny lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea, on very shallow rocky shores in the surf.
How big does the Sphinx blenny get?
The Sphinx blenny grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.
Is the Sphinx blenny dangerous to humans?
No, the Sphinx blenny is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Sphinx blenny edible?
The Sphinx blenny is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Sphinx blenny and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Blenniidae
Want the complete picture on the Sphinx blenny?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Sphinx blenny is one of 12,519 species in the app.