Blenniella chrysospilos (Bleeker, 1857)

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

Blenniella chrysospilos, commonly called the red-spotted blenny, is a species of combtooth blenny that lives in coral reefs of the Pacific and Indian oceans, and is native to Fiji and the Maldives. Combtooth blennies include over 400 species, and this species is one of them.

Common Names

It has multiple common names: Redspotted Blenny and Red-spotted Rockskipper, and it is sometimes referred to as the orange-spotted blenny. This common name overlap means Blenniella chrysospilos should not be confused with Hypleurochilus springeri, which also shares the name orange-spotted blenny.

Aquarium Relevance

This blenny is popular with aquarium hobbyists.

Size

It can reach a maximum length of approximately 12.7 centimeters.

Body Coloration

Its base body color is pale white or gray, marked with light brown blotches and many orange spots and stripes.

Fin Structure

Its long dorsal fin has a comb-like shape.

Head Features

It has a compact face and large, multicolored eyes.

Feeding and Social Behavior

In behavior, these fish are peaceful algae eaters, though they can become territorial around other blennies.

Hiding Behavior

Their slender bodies let them hide in small crevices, often leaving only their face exposed outside the crevice.