Blenny (Genus   blennius)                                                                               back     home

There are two species of blennys in New Zealand, and unlike similer small fish like the triplefin blennys are only found in the northern waters between the Northern and east capes.

Being members of the blenny family the fish have two distinct features that allow easy identification. They have one dorsal fin have no scales and their pectoral fins are large.

One type called the crested blenny has a blunt head with feathery like tentacles above each eye. It has a taperd body with a long dorsal fin. It is a yellowish brown colour with a long black stripe along their side.

The other is called the mimmic blenny. This one is much more aggressive than the other and sometimes hides amougst other similar species. It is more slender than the crested blenny and is a dark green colour sporting two silverish stripes along it's sides.
They are called mimmic because they often mimmic other small fish.

Being more agressive the mimmic blenny also when mixing with other harmless and sometimes larger species will nip at the skin, scales of these fish.

They are found on hard rocky areas in shallow waters usually between worms, small crevices and holes from the surface down to depths of around 18 mts (60"). They seem to prefer shaded sites.

It is a small fish of a larger family of fish that live in rocky areas in shallow water.

They are normally seen lying on the rocks or hopping in short bursts. When approched they will often dart back to a hiding place then turn and retreat tail first backwards into a hole.

Blennys generally eat small invertebrates, crustaceans including sea anemones.

They breed in both the summer and winter months. The female laying the eggs inside holes where they are guarded by the males untill they hatch.

They grow to about 8cm (3") in length.