saltwater, reef fish, benthic
Blackline Blenny
Malacoctenus boehlkei
Elongated body with a continuous dorsal fin spanning most of its back. Features a reddish to brownish coloration with distinct vertical banding or mottling and a notable dark line or series of spots behind the eye. It has small cirri (fleshy growths) above the eyes and on the nape.
- Habitat
- Inhabits coral reefs and rocky areas in the Western Atla…
- Size & weight
- Typically ranges from 3 to 6 centimeters (1.2 to 2.4 inc…
- Diet
- Carnivorous, primarily feeding on small crustaceans, mol…
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Physical characteristics
Elongated body with a continuous dorsal fin spanning most of its back. Features a reddish to brownish coloration with distinct vertical banding or mottling and a notable dark line or series of spots behind the eye. It has small cirri (fleshy growths) above the eyes and on the nape.
Habitat & distribution
Inhabits coral reefs and rocky areas in the Western Atlantic, specifically the Caribbean, Florida, and the Bahamas. Preferred depths range from shallow tide pools to approximately 10-15 meters.
Behavior
Solitary and highly territorial. They are diurnal and spend much of their time perched on rocks or coral heads using their pectoral fins to stay stationary in currents.
Diet
Carnivorous, primarily feeding on small crustaceans, mollusks, and polychaete worms found on the substrate.
Reproduction
They are oviparous; females lay adhesive eggs in a nest, which are then guarded and aerated by the male until they hatch into planktonic larvae.
Ecological role
Higher-level benthic consumer that helps control populations of small invertebrates and serves as prey for larger reef predators.
Similar species
Saddleback Blenny (Malacoctenus triangulatus) which has more triangular markings, and various Labrisomid blennies which may lack the specific eye-line marking.
Identification tips
Look for a dark horizontal line extending from the posterior of the eye and the distinct comb-like arrangement of dorsal spines. The reddish hue and mottled vertical bars are also indicative.
Interesting facts
These fish are known for their 'perching' behavior on reef surfaces. The cirri on their heads are thought to help break up the fish's outline, providing camouflage against the complex reef background.