Reef Safe Aquarium Fish - Blennies

Blennies in the Reef Aquarium

General description: Blennies are a diverse group of fish, but they are closely related to the goby species. Blennies are often easily identified by their blunt heads, long bodies, relatively large eyes and mouths, and the lashes (cirri) that overhang their eyes and nostrils. Though some blennies may grow up to seven inches in their natural habitats, most aquarium blennies average around three inches in length.

Living conditions: Blennies are naturally found around reefs. They are enduring fish and will adjust well to any aquarium appropriately supplied with hiding places and microalgae. Like gobies, blennies tend to stay toward the lower portion of aquariums and require plenty of hiding spots within rockwork and coral displays. Most species are diggers and need to be provided at least two inches of substrate to burrow in. They can often be found burrowed in the sandy substrate, hidden within reef crevices, or tucked away in empty mollusk shells.

Feeding: In the wild, blennies graze upon microalgae and small crustaceans found in and around their neighborhood reef, so be sure that your tank hosts extensive rockwork and algae for them to prosper. To maintain a sufficient supply of algae, it is recommended that blennies be placed in a tank that has a sump or refugium.