Red-streaked Blenny

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Widespread in the tropical Indo-Pacific: from the Red Sea and East African coasts to the Society Islands, north to southern Japan. Inhabits wave-swept outer reefs at depths of 1 to 20 meters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Member of the family Blenniidae, genus Cirripectes. Characterized by a comb-like fringe of nuchal cirri across the nape of the neck and a broad mouth. Grows up to 12 cm.

Social Behavior: Highly active and territorial. Lives among reef rocks, perching to survey its domain and chasing away competitors from its grazing territory.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Stunning color pattern featuring a dark brown or black body overlaid with a glowing net-like pattern of fire-red or bright orange lines. Adult males display more vivid colors.

Aquarium Setup: Demands an aquarium of at least 150 liters with abundant mature live rock rich in algae. A secure lid is mandatory to prevent accidental jumps.

Diet and Feeding: Herbivorous detritivore. In captivity, feeds on microalgae on live rocks. Provide quality seaweed sheets, spirulina flakes, and herbivore pellets. Accepts frozen brine shrimp occasionally.

Water Quality: Demands stable parameters. Temperature 22-27°C, pH 8.0-8.5, salinity SG 1.020-1.026. GH 15-25. Prefers moderate to strong water movement.

Compatibility and Tankmates: 100% reef safe. Excellent for SPS and LPS aquariums. May display aggression toward other blennies or similarly shaped benthic fish. Keep singly.

Aquarium Reproduction: Unreported in captive environments. In nature, spawns adhesive benthic eggs guarded by the male inside rocky crevices.

Risks and Diseases: Starvation in sterile aquariums lacking microalgae. Highly sensitive to rapid pH drops and susceptible to Cryptocaryon irritans under high stress.