Common name: longstriped blenny

Scientific name: Parablennius rouxi (Cocco, 1833)

General information

Roux's Blenny, scientifically known as Parablennius rouxi, is a small, colorful fish that is a member of the Blenniidae family. This species is known for its distinctive appearance, with a combination of mottled brown, orange, and white patterns that provide excellent camouflage against rocky substrates. Roux's Blenny is a benthic species, meaning it spends most of its time near the bottom of the water column, often perching on rocks or coral.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
75 liter (20 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
Temperature
22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
Acidity
pH 8 to 8.4
Average size
12 cm (5″)
Care level
Moderate to easy Prefers rockwork with hiding spots
Diet
Omnivore Varied diet with algae, meaty foods
Social
Solo Can be territorial, best kept alone
Reefsafe
Yes
Aggression
Semi aggresive May nip at small inverts or fish
Captive bred
No

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Chordates
    Chordata
  3. Class
    Ray-finned Fishes
    Actinopterygii
  4. Order
    Perch-like Fishes
    Perciformes
  5. Family
    Blennies
    Blenniidae
  6. Genus
    Blennies
    Parablennius
  7. Species
    longstriped blenny
    Parablennius rouxi (Cocco, 1833)
  8. Synonyms
    Blennius rouxi Cocco, 1833
    Blennius ruxii Cocco, 1833

Care

Roux's Blenny is a hardy species that can adapt to life in an aquarium. They require a tank with plenty of live rock and crevices for hiding and grazing. These blennies are herbivorous, feeding primarily on algae, so it's important to maintain a healthy growth of marine algae or provide them with a diet that includes vegetable matter.

Reproduction

In the wild, Roux's Blenny is known to lay eggs in crevices or under rocks. In the aquarium setting, breeding is less common, but with a well-established pair, spawning may occur. The male typically guards the eggs until they hatch.

Habitat

Roux's Blenny is native to the Mediterranean Sea and the eastern Atlantic Ocean. They are commonly found in shallow, coastal waters, often in rocky areas with abundant algae growth. They can be found at depths ranging from the intertidal zone to about 20 meters.