General Description

Head and body somewhat compressed, robust anteriorly, tapering towards tail; dorsal fin long-based; long fleshy fringed tentacles above each eye; large individuals with bulbous heads. Pale brownish to bluish grey, covered in very fine spots or stipples. Males with about 6 indistinct darker saddle-like markings above midline of body; females with indistinct saddles, each broken up into a checkerboard pattern. To 13 cm.

Biology

This species is very common in Port Phillip Bay, especially in tide pools and around jetties or pylons. Individuals are also seen poking their heads from small holes and crevices, or even from discarded cans and bottles.

Habitat

Shallow rocky reefs in sheltered bays and estuaries, in depths of 0-10 m.

Reefs

Distribution guide

South-eastern Australia.

Species Group

Fishes › Blennies

Depth

Shore (0-1 m)
Shallow (1-30 m)

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

13 cm

Diet

Carnivore

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Native to Australia

Conservation Status

• DSE Advisory List : Not listed
• EPBC Act 1999 : Not listed
• IUCN Red List : Not listed