Blenniella
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
Blenniella chrysospilos, Red-spotted Blenny. Scott W. Michael
Family: Blenniidae
Species in Genus Blenniella:
none
ROCKSKIPPERS
The rockskippers are often found in habitats with high wave energy in the intertidal zone. They regularly flip (or “skip”) from one tide pool to the next, often leaving the water for short periods of time when they make these migrations.
Although they are not known coral eaters, on rare occasions they have been known to nip at corals or clam mantles. Usually this does not cause irreparable damage to these sessile invertebrates.
Rockskippers principally feed on algae and detritus, which they rasp from hard substrates. They also incidentally ingest fine sand, minute crustaceans, and tiny snails.
Algae is important to ensure their survival—they often starve in a newly set up aquarium—so it is best to add them to an established tank. They are more likely to nip at corals when they are starving. Feed them frozen preparations and flake foods for herbivores (if algae is not present in the tank, feed them several times a day).
These fishes may skip out of an uncovered tank and may quarrel if more than one is placed in a smaller aquarium, but they can be kept together in a larger tank.
| Family | Blenniidae + |
| Image credit | SWM + |
| Reference | A PocketExpert Guide to Reef Aquarium Fishes + |
| Text credit | SWM + |