Diamond Blenny is a marine fish with the scientific name Malacoctenus boehlkei.
It can be found in the central western Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, living in coral reefs at depths of 5 to 70 meters (16 to 230 feet).
The name “boehlkei” was given to honor James E. Böhlke, a well-known fish scientist from Philadelphia’s Academy of Natural Sciences.
Diamond blennies live on patch reefs or deeper water coral formations and are usually seen near giant anemones called Condylactis gigantea.
These fish are safe for reef aquariums.
Diamond Blenny Interesting Facts
- Diamond blennies inhabit central western Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea coral reefs, ranging from 16 to 230 feet deep.
- These fish grow up to 2.5 inches (6.4 centimeters) long, with males having a distinctive light brown coloration and white spots.
- Named after scientist James E. Böhlke, they are safe for reef aquariums as they don’t harm corals or other aquatic lifeforms.
- Living near giant anemones called Condylactis gigantea, their appearance features dark blotches on the upper side and diamond-shaped markings on the lower side.
Diamond Blenny Habitat
Diamond blenny lives in the western central Atlantic Ocean, from the Bahamas and the Virgin Islands to Bonaire and Belize.
This fish is found in coral reefs at depths between 16 to 230 feet deep and prefers tropical waters.
| Water Temperature: | Unknown |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Diamond Blenny Physical Characteristics
Size: 2.5 inches (6.4 centimeters)
Diamond blenny grow up to 2.5 inches (6.4 centimeters) long. This fish has 21 to 22 dorsal spines, 11 to 13 dorsal soft rays, 2 anal spines, and 20 to 23 soft anal rays.
Its upper side features dark blotches while its lower side has diamond-shaped markings.
Male diamond blennies are light brown with white spots and have two rows of irregular brown blotches.
One row is with seven larger dark-edged ones and another row with ten smaller diamond-shaped ones that have pale centers.
Females have similar patterns but with brownish-orange blotches instead of dark brown ones.
Diamond Blenny Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Blenniiformes |
| Family: | Labrisomidae |
| Genus: | Malacoctenus |
| Scientific Name: | Malacoctenus boehlkei |
| Also Known As: | Diamond Blenny |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |