Depth
Aidablennius · Bony Fish

Sphinx Blenny

Aidablennius sphynx

0-10m
Depth Range
8cm
Max Size
Mediterranean
Distribution
0-10m
Depth Range
8cm
Max Size
Rocky shore
Habitat
Omnivore
Diet
Territorial
Social
LC
IUCN Status
Moderate
Sighting Likelihood
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Actinopterygii
Genus Aidablennius
Species sphynx

Bony Fish

Identification & Biology

  • IdentificationSmall blenny with a rounded head and a pair of simple, unbranched orbital tentacles. Olive-brown body with darker bars and a distinctive reddish-brown head. Males darken during breeding.
  • SizeUp to 8 cm total length, commonly 4 to 6 cm.
  • Social HabitSolitary and territorial. Males guard eggs in holes in the rocky substrate.
  • HabitatRocky intertidal and very shallow subtidal zones. Lives in holes and crevices on sun-exposed rocks.
  • DepthIntertidal to 5 m, predominantly in the intertidal zone.
  • Feeds OnAlgae and tiny invertebrates scraped from rock surfaces.
  • DistributionMediterranean Sea. An endemic species.
  • DescriptionNamed for its alert, sphinx-like posture as it perches at the entrance of its hole, surveying its territory. A common blenny of the Mediterranean intertidal zone, easily observed in rock pools. Males display a darkened body to attract females during breeding season.

Range

Habitat & Distribution

An intertidal and very shallow subtidal species found on rocky shores throughout the Mediterranean. Commonly seen in rock pools and on sunlit boulder faces in the first few metres of water.

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

Inhabits rocky surfaces, empty barnacle shells, and small crevices in the intertidal and shallow subtidal zone. Prefers well-lit, wave-exposed rocky habitats.

Encounter Tips

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

Sphinx Blenny species card

Biology

Behaviour & Diet

Feeding Strategy

An omnivorous grazer that scrapes algae, small invertebrates, and detritus from rock surfaces using its comb-like teeth.

Grazer

Reproduction

Males guard nesting holes in rocks or empty shells. Females deposit eggs inside the cavity, and the male fans and protects them until hatching.

Cavity nester

Behaviour & Defence

Highly territorial, males aggressively defend their shelter and nesting site. Retreats rapidly into crevices when approached by larger animals.

Territorial & cryptic

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Where to Encounter in Malta

Dive sites where Aidablennius sphynx may be encountered will be added as sighting data is collected.

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.

Source: IUCN Red List
diveshack Mediterranean Marine Life guide