Fin's Fish Guide
The Tentacled blenny (Parablennius tentacularis) is a saltwater fish of the family Blenniidae that grows up to 15 cm.
Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, on sandy and stony bottoms in shallow water.
Description
The tentacled blenny is a small, scaleless blenny of the family Blenniidae reaching about 15 cm. Characteristic is a conspicuously long, branched skin flap (tentacle) above each eye; the brownish body bears six to seven faint dark cross-bars. Unlike many blennies, which live on rocks, this species often stays on sand and stone bottoms in shallow water, in the Mediterranean, the Black Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic. As a bottom-dweller it grazes on algae and small invertebrates. The male defends a shelter and guards the eggs laid in an empty shell or cavity until they hatch. Because of its small size it has no fishery importance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Tentacled blenny?
The Tentacled blenny has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Blenny with a conspicuously long, branched skin flap (tentacle) above each eye and six to seven faint vertical bars.
Where does the Tentacled blenny live?
The Tentacled 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, on sandy and stony bottoms in shallow water.
How big does the Tentacled blenny get?
The Tentacled blenny grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.
Is the Tentacled blenny dangerous to humans?
No, the Tentacled blenny is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Tentacled blenny edible?
The Tentacled blenny is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Tentacled 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 Tentacled blenny?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Tentacled blenny is one of 12,519 species in the app.