The Peacock Blenny (Salaria pavo) is a small, colorful fish belonging to the family Blenniidae. They are known for their vibrant patterns and striking appearance, making them a popular choice for marine aquariums.
Description & Characteristics
The Peacock Blenny (Salaria pavo) is characterized by its elongated body, reaching a maximum size of 13.8 cm. Their bodies are covered in a mix of brown, green, and yellow scales, interspersed with vibrant blue and orange spots. These bright colors, especially the distinctive blue spots, give them their common name. This striking coloration serves as camouflage against the diverse backgrounds of their natural habitat.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Peacock Blenny (Salaria pavo) is a common sight in the Mediterranean Sea and the eastern Atlantic Ocean, specifically along the coasts of France, Spain, and Portugal. They inhabit shallow, rocky areas with abundant algae, typically preferring depths between 2 and 50 meters. This makes them a resident of the Neritic zone, the region of the ocean that lies over the continental shelf.
Taxonomy
The Peacock Blenny (Salaria pavo) belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Blenniiformes, and Family: Blenniidae. This family, the Blenniidae, is known for its diverse members, including combtooth blennies, clingfishes, and the Peacock Blenny itself. They are all characterized by their slender bodies and often distinctive appearances.
Feeding
The Peacock Blenny (Salaria pavo) is an opportunistic omnivore, feeding on a diverse diet of algae, crustaceans, clams, and zooplankton. They are also known to readily accept commercial flakes and frozen foods like krill and mysis. This adaptability makes them relatively easy to maintain in captivity.
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