IntermediatePeacefulReef Safe

Browncheek Blenny

Acanthemblemaria crockeri

Family: Chaenopsidae · Blennies

Also known as: Crocker's Blenny, Browncheek Tube Blenny

Max Size

1.5"

Min Tank

10 gal

Lifespan

3-5 years

Origin

Eastern Pacific, Gulf of California

Diet

Carnivore

Swims

Bottom

About

The Browncheek Blenny is a tiny, charismatic tube-dwelling blenny native to the Eastern Pacific, found primarily in the warm waters of the Gulf of California. Named for the distinctive brown patches on its cheeks, this diminutive species reaches only about 1.5 inches in maximum length, making it one of the smallest fish commonly available for marine aquariums.

Like its Caribbean relatives in the genus Acanthemblemaria, the Browncheek Blenny lives inside empty worm tubes, barnacle shells, and small holes in rock and coral. It spends most of its time with just its head protruding from its shelter, using its large, alert eyes to watch for passing zooplankton. When a food item drifts within range, the blenny strikes with lightning speed before retreating back into its protective tube.

The Browncheek Blenny is an excellent candidate for nano reef aquariums and dedicated small marine systems. It is completely reef-safe and peaceful toward other species, though it may squabble mildly with other tube-dwelling blennies over preferred shelter sites. The main challenge in its care is ensuring adequate food delivery, as its sedentary nature and small size mean it can easily be overlooked during feeding time. Target feeding near its chosen tube is highly recommended.

Feeding & Diet

Carnivore

The Browncheek Blenny is a micro-predator that feeds on tiny zooplankton and copepods drifting past its tube shelter. In captivity, offer finely chopped frozen mysis shrimp, enriched baby brine shrimp, cyclops, and live copepods. Target feeding near the blenny's tube opening ensures it receives adequate nutrition. Feed two to three times daily with small, appropriately sized portions.

Compatibility

reef-safepeacefulnano-fishcommunity-safe

The Browncheek Blenny is entirely peaceful and compatible with other small, non-aggressive reef fish. It may mildly compete for tube-dwelling spaces with other tube blennies. Its tiny size makes it vulnerable to predation by larger fish. Best kept with other nano-appropriate species such as small gobies, dartfish, and ornamental shrimp.

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Breeding

Difficult

Browncheek Blennies are egg-layers that deposit eggs inside their tube shelters. The male guards the clutch until hatching. Males are generally slightly larger with more developed head cirri. Captive breeding has been documented but remains challenging due to the tiny size of the larvae.