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Rusty blenny

Distribution : Mediterranean

Look for rusty blennies among stones and pebbles close to the shore. A fish may withdraw before more than its head is visible. Small branching eye filaments resemble open hands. By day, it comes out to feed near its refuge.

Habitat of Rusty blenny Habitat
Rocky habitat, Gravel
Depth range of Rusty blenny Depth
0-5 m
Biological group of Rusty blenny Group
Ecological role of Rusty blenny Role
Predator, Herbivore

📏 Size

15–19 cm

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

Adults reach about 15 to 19 centimetres. They have elongated bodies, often rounded bellies and fairly heavy heads with eyes set high.

Colour is grey, brown or greenish, with dark mottling. Small white spots may line the rear flanks. Eye filaments are short and split into several branches.

The skin has no scales. Mucus, a slippery protective substance, covers it. During breeding, males become almost black with bluish throats and lips.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

The species mainly lives from the surface to 5 metres, on stony bottoms, rubble and pebble beaches. Spaces beneath stones and cavities provide shelter.

Active by day, it moves near its refuge. Water movement in shallow habitats is part of its surroundings.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

It feeds extensively on algae grazed from surfaces on the seabed. Studies of its feeding describe the use of algal turf and sea lettuce.

DORIS also mentions small invertebrates, animals without a backbone. Studies and scientific guides often describe the diet as mainly herbivorous.

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Rusty blenny

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