Chestnut Blenny (Cirripectes castaneus)
Fish in the family Blenniidae. Moderate care. Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
The Chestnut Blenny is a small, elongated fish with a chestnut-brown to reddish-brown coloration throughout the body. It has a blunt head, small scales, and a continuous dorsal fin running along the back. The body tapers toward the tail, and it features small cirri (tentacle-like structures) above the eyes—a characteristic feature of the Cirripectes genus.
Diet and feeding
Feed a varied diet of high-quality herbivorous pellets, marine flakes, and small meaty foods such as mysis shrimp and frozen copepods. This species grazes on algae and detritus but benefits from supplemental feeding of both plant and animal matter 2–3 times daily.
Difficulty and care for the Chestnut Blenny
The Chestnut Blenny is moderately difficult, requiring stable water conditions, adequate hiding places among rocks and corals, and a varied diet. It can be territorial toward other blennies and similarly sized fish, so tank mates must be chosen carefully.
Common health issues
Marine ich, Fin rot, Swim bladder disorder, Bacterial septicaemia, Velvet disease
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region, including the Great Barrier Reef, Indonesia, and surrounding areas. Found on coral and rocky reefs in shallow coastal waters.
Log Chestnut Blenny in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Chestnut Blenny alongside everything else in your reef.
