Parablennius gattorugine, commonly known as ‘Tompot blenny‘, is a marine fish of the family Blenniidae and belongs to the order Blenniiformes. The genus name ‘Parablennius‘ comes from the Greek ‘para‘ (close) and ‘blennios‘ (mucus or slime), in reference to the mucous secretion of its skin, while ‘gattorugine‘ derives from Italian and means ‘wrinkled cat’, alluding to the wrinkles and protuberances on its head, which give it an appearance similar to that of a puckered cat. This species is distributed in the northeastern Atlantic, from Norway to Morocco, as well as in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. It usually inhabits coastal waters, especially in rocky and reef areas, between 2 and 30 meters deep, although it can be found up to 50 meters.
Parablennius gattorugine can reach a length of up to 30 centimeters, although it usually measures between 20 and 25 centimeters. It has an elongated and laterally compressed body, with a large and robust head, provided with numerous wrinkles and protuberances, especially prominent in males, and a fleshy crest between the eyes. Its eyes are bicolored, with the upper part brown and the lower part white, and on each of them there is a branched tentacle. Its coloration is variable, ranging from shades of brown, green and reddish to gray, with dark spots and bands that allow it to camouflage with the rocky environment. In addition, it is marked with at least seven dark bars extending from the dorsal fin to the belly. Males, particularly during the breeding season, may show more intense and vivid colors. It differs from similar species, such as Parablennius pilicornis, by its larger size, the more pronounced shape of its head and the characteristic ridges over the eyes.
In terms of diet, Parablennius gattorugine is omnivorous, but its diet is mainly based on benthic organisms. It feeds on small invertebrates such as crustaceans, molluscs, polychaete worms and also algae. It uses its small but strong mouth to scrape algae and small organisms attached to rocks. This feeding behavior contributes to the control of the population of small invertebrates and to the balance of the ecosystem in rocky areas.
Reproduction of Parablennius gattorugine generally occurs in spring and summer. During this time, males establish territories and attract females through visual displays and courtship behaviors. The species exhibits external fertilization: females lay eggs attached to rocks or crevices in the male’s territory, which are then fertilized by the male. Males protect and care for the eggs until they hatch, showing territorial and aggressive behavior towards possible predators or intruders. The eggs are small, sticky and orange-yellow in color, and once hatched, the larvae are pelagic for some time before settling on the seafloor.
A curious fact about Parablennius gattorugine is their highly territorial and aggressive behavior, especially in males during the breeding season. They are known to vigorously defend their territory, attacking other fish or even divers that come too close. This species, due to its character and peculiar appearance, is of great interest to marine biologists and diving enthusiasts.
Photos:
