Red-spotted Rockskipper (Blenniella chrysospilos) Care Guide
Blenniella chrysospilos is a small Indo-Pacific combtooth blenny that grazes algae on shallow surge-swept reef flats.
Overview
Blenniella chrysospilos (Bleeker, 1857) is a combtooth blenny of the family Blenniidae. According to FishBase it reaches about 13 cm in standard length and is widely distributed across the Indo-Pacific. Wikipedia describes it as a peaceful algae eater with a pale body marked by orange spots and stripes, which hides its slender body in small crevices with only the head protruding.
Taxonomy
- Family: Blenniidae
- Genus: Blenniella
- Scientific name: Blenniella chrysospilos (Bleeker, 1857)
Habitat
FishBase records this species from the Indo-Pacific, from the east coast of Africa to the Society Islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands and south to about 24°S. It inhabits clear coastal reef flats, often in exposed habitats, and is common on outer intertidal reef flats and surge-swept seaward reef, usually where algal growth is prolific, at depths of 0 to 6 m.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 100 L (about 26 gal)
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Carbonate hardness range (record): 8-12 °dGH
- Lifespan: 3-8 years (KB record)
Diet
FishBase describes the species as feeding on algae, associated detritus and small invertebrates. Wikipedia likewise characterises it as an algae eater. In aquaria a diet based on marine algae and herbivore preparations supports this grazing behaviour.
Compatibility
It is a peaceful, bottom-associated fish that perches on rockwork; Wikipedia notes it can show territorial tendencies toward conspecifics. Suitable companions include clownfish, tangs, cardinalfish and wrasses, while large aggressive predators such as lionfish and triggers should be avoided.
Breeding
According to FishBase the species is oviparous with demersal, adhesive eggs attached to the substrate, and the larvae are planktonic. It exhibits distinct pairing behaviour.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern, assessed in 2009. FishBase notes the species enters the aquarium trade and is of no fisheries interest.