Depth
Coryphoblennius · Bony Fish

Montagu's Blenny

Coryphoblennius galerita

0-40m
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Mediterranean
Distribution
0-40m
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Rocky Reef
Habitat
Carnivore
Diet
Solitary
Social
LC
IUCN Status
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Actinopterygii
Genus Coryphoblennius
Species galerita

Bony Fish

Identification & Biology

  • IdentificationSmall blenny with a rounded head and a single, unbranched tentacle above each eye. Brown to olive body with subtle banding. A distinctive row of pale spots along the base of the dorsal fin.
  • SizeUp to 8.5 cm total length, commonly 4 to 6 cm.
  • Social HabitSolitary and territorial. Males defend small nest sites in crevices and empty barnacle shells.
  • HabitatRocky intertidal and shallow subtidal zones. Found in rock pools and on exposed rocky surfaces.
  • DepthIntertidal to 8 m, predominantly very shallow.
  • Feeds OnAlgae and small invertebrates from rock surfaces.
  • DistributionEastern Atlantic from the British Isles to Morocco, including the Mediterranean Sea.
  • DescriptionA small but bold blenny that inhabits the wave-washed zone of rocky coasts. Named after the naturalist George Montagu, it is often the dominant small fish in Mediterranean rock pools. Its simple, unbranched orbital tentacle distinguishes it from many other blenny species.

Range

Habitat & Distribution

Found across the Mediterranean, inhabiting rocky reef environments. Active from the surface down to 40m depth.

Where Malta divers have spotted this species

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Sightings are logged by divers using our What Did You See? dive-log tool. View the full live sightings map.

Detail

Preferred Environment

Rocky Reef habitats, typically at depths of 0-40m. Most commonly encountered by divers at the shallower end of its range.

Encounter Tips

Best approached slowly and calmly. Avoid casting shadows directly over the animal. Neutral buoyancy and patience increase encounter success significantly.

Montagu's Blenny species card

Biology

Behaviour & Diet

Feeding Strategy

Feeds on small invertebrates, algae and detritus gleaned from rock surfaces in the shallow subtidal zone.

Omnivore

Reproduction

Males prepare nest sites in empty barnacle shells or small holes. Eggs are attached inside and guarded until hatching.

Egg guarder

Behaviour & Defence

Very small body allows it to vanish into tiny crevices and empty barnacle tests. Cryptic colouration matches surrounding rock.

Crevice dweller

Dive with diveshack

Where to Encounter in Malta

The following dive sites offer strong habitat match for Coryphoblennius galerita. All are accessible on a guided dive with diveshack.

5-30m
North Malta

Cirkewwa

Rocky reef with caves, arches and ledges hosting a rich diversity of reef species.

View dive site ›
5-50m
Gozo

Blue Hole

One of the Med's most famous reef dive sites. Rocky walls and archways covered in life.

View dive site ›
18-36m
South Malta

Um El Faroud

The wreck lies on a sandy bottom surrounded by rocky reef -- a diverse habitat attracting reef species.

View dive site ›
IUCN Red List Least Concern

Conservation Status

This species is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Mediterranean populations face ongoing pressure from fishing activity, habitat degradation, and climate-driven changes to prey availability.

Source: iNaturalist Guide #888
by Lesley Clements (CC BY-SA)
diveshack Mediterranean Marine Life guide