Chestnut eyelash-blenny – Cirripectes castaneus

Chestnut eyelash-blenny, Chestnut Eyelash-blenny, Spotted-chin Blenny, Cirripectes castaneus
Size: 9.2 cm
Depth: 0 - 32 m

Australia, China, Christmas Island, Cocos Islands, Comoros, Egypt, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Micronesia, Mozambique, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Norfolk Island, Oman, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Reunion Island, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Tonga, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Yemen

Arabian Sea, Coral Sea, East China Sea, Great Barrier Reef, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Aqaba, Gulf of Oman, Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Persian Gulf, Red Sea, South China Sea, Tasman Sea, Yellow Sea

The Chestnut Eyelash-blenny, Spotted-chin Blenny, scientifically known as Cirripectes castaneus, is a small, vibrantly colored fish that inhabits the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. This blenny is known for its unique appearance and intriguing behaviors, making it a fascinating subject of study for marine biologists and hobbyist aquarists alike.

Description & Characteristics

Cirripectes castaneus, commonly known as the Chestnut Eyelash-blenny or Spotted-chin Blenny, is a small fish that can reach a maximum size of 9.2 cm. Its body is elongated and compressed, with a distinctive chestnut brown coloration. The fish’s most striking feature is its prominent eyelashes, which are long, filamentous extensions of the skin above the eyes. Its chin is marked with distinct spots, which lend it the alternative name “Spotted-chin Blenny.” This fish typically inhabits coral reefs, rocky shores, and seagrass beds, often clinging to rocks and coral structures.

Habitat and Occurrence

Cirripectes castaneus is found in the Indo-Pacific region, primarily in Subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, and deep zone of the oceans from the lower limit of the intertidal zone (intertidal) to the shelf edge at about 200 m water depth. neritic marine environments. It is commonly found in coral reefs, rocky shores, and seagrass beds, which provide shelter and access to food sources. This species is a prevalent presence in these aquatic ecosystems, often seen clinging to rocks and coral structures.

Taxonomy

The species Cirripectes castaneus belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Blenniiformes, and Family: Blenniidae. This family, known as blennies, encompasses a wide array of fish species characterized by their elongated bodies, small scales, and often prominent cirri (filamentous extensions) on their heads and bodies.

Feeding

Cirripectes castaneus is an omnivorous fish, feeding mainly on algae and invertebrates. It uses its strong teeth to scrape algae off surfaces and its agile movements to catch small crustaceans and other invertebrates. This feeding strategy ensures a diverse and readily available food source within its habitat.

Associated Species

Image References

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