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.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
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.
Breeding the Red-spotted Rockskipper (Blenniella chrysospilos)
Overview
Blenniella chrysospilos (family Blenniidae), the red-spotted blenny, occurs across the Indo-Pacific from the east coast of Africa to the Society Islands and reaches about 13 cm standard length. FishBase records it from clear coastal reef flats and surge-swept seaward reefs at depths of 0-6 m, where it enters small holes with just its head protruding. It feeds on algae with associated detritus and small invertebrates.
Sexing
FishBase records the species as oviparous with distinct pairing. No reliable external sexing characters are documented for the aquarium, so a compatible male-female pair is identified by observing pairing and the defence of a chosen hole.
Breeding Setup
Recreate the reef-flat habitat with a mature aquarium offering rock with small holes the fish can back into, strong algal growth and good water movement reflecting its surge-swept origins. Stable shallow-reef parameters from the linked species record support breeding condition.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Reproduction follows the blenny pattern of distinct pairing, with the female laying eggs inside a small hole or crevice that the male typically fertilises and guards. The hole the fish occupies in daily life doubles as the spawning nest.
Egg & Fry Care
Eggs are demersal and adhesive, attached to the substrate by a filamentous adhesive pad or pedestal, and larvae hatch as planktonic forms found in shallow coastal waters. Rearing the planktonic larvae requires a dedicated larval system and graded live foods.
Common Challenges
The planktonic larval phase is the limiting step, needing tiny first-feeding prey and stable water quality. Adequate algal grazing and secure holes are needed to keep broodstock settled and in spawning condition.