Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Fish profile

Temperament

Territorial

This blenny is peaceful, highly observant, and displays comical mannerisms. They spend their days perched on a rock, watching the tank and the room with a curious expression. They are not easily intimidated once acclimated and quickly become a favorite due to their quirky personality.

Diet

Herbivore

As a dedicated herbivore, it continuously scrapes microalgae from the live rock and aquarium glass. Its diet should be heavily supplemented with marine algae, spirulina flakes, and specialized herbivorous pellets. Minimizing meaty foods is important to maintain their specialized digestive tract health.

Sex ratio

Solitary

It is generally best to keep a single Dentex blenny per aquarium to avoid conspecific aggression. Males are highly territorial and will aggressively defend their chosen perch from other males. While a mated pair might coexist, establishing a pair is challenging and rarely attempted.

Feeding frequency

Twice daily

Because their natural feeding strategy involves continuous grazing, they should be offered food once or twice daily. Providing a constant supply of dried seaweed on a feeding clip is an excellent practice. Regular feedings ensure they do not become emaciated, a common issue with herbivorous blennies.

Bioload

The Dentex blenny has a minimal bioload, making it highly suitable for reef tanks of all sizes. Standard biological filtration and routine water changes will easily keep up with its light waste output. It will not tax the bio-filtration of even a modestly equipped aquarium.

Flow

Strong

They thrive in moderate water flow, which helps promote the growth of the microalgae they depend on. Flow also simulates the natural wave action of the shallow reefs they originate from. They will happily perch in the current but need sheltered crevices to escape when necessary.

Jump risk

Yes

Like its relatives, this blenny is easily startled and poses a significant jump risk. A secure canopy or a tight-fitting mesh top must be used to prevent accidental escapes. Be cautious of open gaps near the overflow or return pipes.

Reproduction

Oviparous

They exhibit demersal spawning behavior, laying adhesive eggs in a selected rocky crevice. The male will zealously guard the eggs, maintaining water flow over them until they hatch. Rearing the larvae is exceedingly difficult due to their microscopic size and specialized feeding requirements.

Compatibility & tankmates

Reef safe

It is an extremely peaceful fish that poses no danger to corals, ornamental shrimp, or crabs. It cohabitates perfectly with small, non-aggressive fish like dartfish and fairy wrasses. It can, however, be aggressive toward other blennies or similarly shaped bottom-dwelling species.

Tank level

Bottom

They are exclusively benthic fish that rely on the rockwork and substrate for their entire existence. Lacking a functional swim bladder, they do not swim openly but instead 'hop' from rock to rock. They require intricate rock structures with numerous small holes to feel secure.