Common name: longstriped blenny
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
- Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyBlenniesBlenniidae
- GenusBlenniesParablennius
- Specieslongstriped blennyParablennius rouxi (Cocco, 1833)
- SynonymsBlennius rouxi Cocco, 1833Blennius 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.