Chestnut Eyelash Blenny

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Indo-Pacific, widely distributed from the Red Sea and East Africa to Tonga and Samoa. Inhabits shallow, wave-swept reef flats at depths of 0 to 10 meters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Part of the Blenniidae family, genus Cirripectes. Reaches a maximum size of 10 cm (4 inches). Characterized by a fringe of nuchal cirri and prominent orbital tentacles.

Social Behavior: Energetic and inquisitive. Constantly hops along rocks and scrapes algae. Easily retreats into small caves or crevices when disturbed.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Body is dark chestnut-brown, with reddish or yellowish markings on the snout. Terminal males may exhibit brighter facial coloration.

Aquarium Setup: Minimum tank size of 120 liters (30 gallons) with plenty of matured live rock and algae growth. A tight-fitting lid is essential to prevent jumping.

Diet and Feeding: Herbivorous. Primarily feeds on microalgae and detritus from rockwork. Supplement with spirulina-based flakes, nori, and herbivore pellets.

Water Quality: Maintain standard marine parameters: temperature 22-26°C (72-78°F), pH 8.1-8.4, specific gravity 1.020-1.025, and KH 8-12. Keep salinity stable.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Reef-safe. Ideal with clownfish, gobies, and small wrasses. Avoid housing with similarly shaped blennies or conspecifics.

Aquarium Reproduction: Unreported in captive environments. In nature, they spawn adhesive eggs that are guarded by the male.

Risks and Diseases: Very hardy, but prone to starvation in sterile or newly set up tanks. Keep aquarium covered as they are known to jump.