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Peacock blenny (Salaria pavo)

Photo of Peacock blenny (Salaria pavo)

Key facts

Scientific name
Salaria pavo
Common name
Peacock blenny
Category
Fish
Family
Blenniidae
Genus
Salaria
Size
8–16 cm
Depth
0–5 m
IUCN status
Least concern (LC)
Danger level
Harmless
Habitats
rocky-reef, tidepool
Behaviours
solitary, territorial
Ocean zones
East Atlantic, Mediterranean

Description

Salaria pavo reaches 16 cm. Distinctive Mediterranean blenny: males with high fleshy cephalic crest and large blue ocellus circled with yellow behind eye highly characteristic (hence peacock), yellow-green-blue marbled body. Females more discreet without crest. Lives from 0 to 5 m on coastal rocks and tidepools of Mediterranean and nearby East Atlantic. Highly territorial during reproduction. Iconic macro photo subject of shallow Med diving for fairy-like appearance.

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Peacock blenny?
Peacock blenny (Salaria pavo) reaches 8–16 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Peacock blenny?
Peacock blenny is found between 0–5 m deep.
Is the Peacock blenny dangerous to divers?
Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Peacock blenny?
IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Peacock blenny?
Found in: East Atlantic, Mediterranean.

Other species in the family Blenniidae

  • Parablennius gattorugine - Tompot blenny
  • Parablennius rouxi - Long-striped blenny
  • Ophioblennius macclurei - Redlip blenny
  • Lipophrys trigloides - Triglid blenny
  • Aidablennius sphynx - Sphynx blenny
  • Parablennius zvonimiri - Zvonimir's blenny

Sources

  • Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 126781)
  • Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
  • Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 5211367)
  • Conservation: IUCN Red List
  • Encyclopedia: Wikipedia