Chestnut Eyelash-Blenny (Cirripectes castaneus) Care Guide
Cirripectes castaneus is an Indo-West Pacific algae-grazing blenny of wave-swept reef flats, bearing fringes of cirri on the head.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Cirripectes castaneus (Valenciennes, 1836) is a combtooth blenny of the family Blenniidae, commonly called the chestnut eyelash-blenny. It was originally described as Salarias castaneus. According to FishBase it grows to about 9 cm and occurs across the Indo-West Pacific; it is an algae grazer of wave-swept reef flats.
Taxonomy
- Family: Blenniidae
- Genus: Cirripectes
- Scientific name: Cirripectes castaneus (Valenciennes, 1836)
- Original combination: Salarias castaneus
Habitat
FishBase records this species from the Indo-West Pacific, from the Red Sea to Tonga, north to southern Japan and south to Lord Howe Island. It inhabits wave-swept algal ridges on outer reef flats, preferring rocky and coralline substrates at depths of about 0 to 32 m, typically in the upper 10 m. It occurs in small loose groups and is capable of facultative air-breathing.
Description
According to FishBase, males bear numerous cirri on the head, including nuchal, nasal and supraorbital cirri arranged in groups, with the ventral group on an expanded nuchal flap. These fringes give the genus its 'eyelash-blenny' common name.
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 reports that the species feeds on algae. In aquaria a diet based on marine algae and herbivore preparations supports this grazing behaviour.
Compatibility
It is a peaceful, bottom-associated grazer. Suitable companions include clownfish, tangs, cardinalfish and wrasses, while large aggressive predators such as lionfish and triggers should be avoided.
Breeding the Chestnut Blenny (Cirripectes castaneus)
Overview
Cirripectes castaneus (family Blenniidae), the chestnut eyelash-blenny, ranges across the Indo-West Pacific from the Red Sea to Tonga and reaches about 9.2 cm standard length. FishBase places it on the wave-swept algal ridge of outer reef flats over rocky and coralline substrates at depths of roughly 0-10 m. It is herbivorous, feeding on algae.
Sexing
FishBase records the species as oviparous with distinct pairing. No reliable external sexing cues are documented for the aquarium, so a compatible male-female pair is identified by observing pairing and territorial behavior around a chosen hole or crevice.
Breeding Setup
Provide a mature reef aquarium with rocky and coralline surfaces, ample algal growth and small holes the blenny can occupy, mirroring its wave-swept reef-flat habitat. Stable shallow-reef parameters from the linked species record support spawning condition.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Reproduction follows the blenny pattern of distinct pairing: the female lays eggs within a sheltered hole or crevice that the male typically fertilises and guards. A secure cavity within the rockwork serves as the 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 these larvae demands a dedicated larval system and graded live foods.
Common Challenges
The planktonic larval phase is the main hurdle, requiring tiny first-feeding prey and very stable water quality. Sustained algal grazing is needed to keep the broodstock healthy and breeding.