Redlip Blenny

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Widespread in the tropical and subtropical Atlantic Ocean: East from Canary Islands, Senegal, and Angola; West from Florida and Bermuda to southern Brazil. Inhabits wave-swept rocky reefs and shallow coral structures down to 10 meters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Member of the family Blenniidae. Features a robust, elongated scaleless body with large eyes and thick, brightly colored lips. Reaches a maximum length of 18 cm.

Social Behavior: Highly territorial. Aggressively defends a section of rocky reef against any other herbivorous fish invading its grazing area.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Solid dark brown or blackish-brown body, highlighted by thick, intense orange-red or bright red lips. Dorsal and anal fins show red margins. Dimorphism is minimal.

Aquarium Setup: Requires a large tank of at least 250 liters with robust rockwork providing caves and ledges. A tight lid is necessary to prevent jumps during sudden dashes.

Diet and Feeding: Herbivorous detritivore. Consumes large amounts of benthic algae. Provide spirulina, shredded nori sheets, and quality sinking herbivore pellets. Accepts frozen foods.

Water Quality: Stable marine parameters. Temperature 22-26°C, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity SG 1.020-1.026. GH 15-25. Demands good aeration and efficient protein skimming.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: Reef safe. Excellent algae grazer. However, it will aggressively attack other benthic fish (like gobies or blennies) and surgeonfish. Must be kept singly.

Aquarium Breeding: Extremely difficult. Deposits adhesive benthic eggs inside rocky caves, which are guarded fiercely by the male.

Risks and Diseases: Starvation in newly set-up or sterile tanks lacking natural algae biofilm. Sensitive to high nitrates and copper-based medications.