Sailfin Blenny

The Sailfin Blenny is a captivating small tube-dwelling blenny renowned for its spectacular oversized dorsal fin that the male raises like a sail or banner during territorial displays and courtship. When fully erected, this enormous dorsal fin can be nearly as tall as the fish's body length, creating one of the most dramatic visual displays in the blenny world. Males are typically darker with more vivid fin coloration, while females are lighter and more subtly colored.

In the wild, the Sailfin Blenny inhabits coral rubble zones and sandy areas with abundant worm tubes and small holes throughout the Caribbean. Like other chaenopsid blennies, it is a tube dweller that spends most of its time with its head and upper body protruding from a chosen tube, raising and lowering its spectacular dorsal fin in rapid displays to warn rivals and attract mates. When food drifts past, it darts out to capture small zooplankton before retreating.

In the aquarium, the Sailfin Blenny is a rewarding species for those who appreciate behavioral displays over size. Despite reaching only about 2.5 inches, its dramatic fin displays make it one of the most entertaining small marine fish available. It requires a peaceful environment with ample tube-like shelters and regular feedings of small meaty foods. Target feeding near its tube is recommended to ensure adequate nutrition.