Blenny ( Blenniiformes )

Blennies reach a size of three inches and are typically bottom dwellers. Blenny Fish are somewhat territorial in nature, and only one species per tank is recommended. Extensive rockwork and a good growth of microalgae are necessary to successfully maintain them in captivity.

In terms of personality, few fish groups compare to the blennies. Combined with a (usually) good temperament and hyper-alertness, their daring antics make them quite entertaining to watch.

Compared to many other marine aquarium fish groups, blennies make for extremely low-maintenance pets. Simple to feed and comfortable in smaller tanks, these tough, disease-resistant fish seldom pose any major problems for even novice aquarists. To be sure, they provide much reward for the relatively simple care they require. More than a few hobbyists would describe their blenny’s appearance and behavior as “cute,” entertaining, and even comical.

With such endearing personality, along with being so temperamentally well suited for captivity, it is not surprising to so often see at least one blennioid inhabitant in most home marine aquaria. 

As a group, the blennies are reliably reef-safe, and their small adult size and overall hardiness also make them an excellent choice for any marine aquarist, including beginner hobbyists or those with smaller-sized aquaria. Indeed, numerous blenny species have been staples in the ornamental fish trade for decades.