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Sphinx blenny

Distribution : Mediterranean and Black Sea; documented in shallow French rocky habitats.

The sphinx blenny rewards slowing down within a few metres, sometimes far less, of the surface. A small hole and a patch of rock can organise its movements. The natural-history interest lies in those details rather than depth.

Habitat of Sphinx blenny Habitat
Rocky habitat, algues
Depth range of Sphinx blenny Depth
0-4 m
Biological group of Sphinx blenny Group
Ecological role of Sphinx blenny Role
Predator, Herbivore

📏 Size

About 6–8 cm, males generally larger

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

The sphinx blenny has an elongated compressed body, steep forehead and two short simple supraorbital cirri. Beige, yellow-brown or greenish colouring carries darker bars edged blue or white. Males show a bluish ocellus rimmed red behind the eye, together with blue cheek markings. The long dorsal has a pronounced notch between its portions; its anterior part is more developed in males.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

The species occupies shallow rocky Mediterranean and Black Sea habitats. Algal subhorizontal surfaces and crevices in wave-washed areas are especially useful. DORIS mainly describes 0–3 or 4 m. Very shallow water can therefore support detailed natural-history watching. Habitat complexity occurs at the scale of shelter openings and rock cover.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

The diet combines algae with small animals, consistent with omnivory. The fish uses living substrate cover and makes brief excursions followed by returns to holes. A witnessed capture should precede any precise food identification: a head directed towards rock alone does not reveal what is being eaten.

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Sphinx blenny

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