Tompot, Cow Gap, Eastbourne
Tompot Brighton Marina
The Tompot Blenny (Parablennius gattorugine) can grow to around 20cm.
Identification[]
A medium-sized blenny, elongate small fish of a large family of fishes that live in rocky areas in shallow water. All true blennies have a continuous dorsal fin with the first dorsal fins are spiny and the remainder are soft. The pectoral finds are relatively large.
Distinguished by a pair of tentacles/lappets over the eye. Usually a deep brown-orange.
Similar species[]
Coryphoblennius galerita, Lipophrys pholis (Smooth Blenny).
The appearance of the eye tentacles are definitive.
Breeding[]
Spring
Habitat[]
Rocky areas below low water mark, rarely intertidal where both similiar species are to be found in the summer.
Food and Diet[]
Small invertebrates including sea anemones.
Range[]
The precise distribution around the Irish coast needs further research.
Additional Notes[]
A common fish familiar to divers.
References[]
The Aquarium Project