Black Combtooth Blenny

Blennies are small but highly entertaining reef fish that are loved by divers for their curious personalities, expressive faces and unique behaviour. Found throughout tropical and subtropical seas, these colourful fish spend much of their lives perched on rocks, coral heads and sandy patches, darting into tiny holes whenever danger approaches. Many species are perfectly camouflaged, making them a rewarding find for underwater photographers and observant divers.

With hundreds of species found around the world, blennies come in a wide variety of colours, patterns and sizes. Some feed mainly on algae, helping to keep coral reefs healthy, while others eat tiny crustaceans and plankton. Their large eyes, comb-like teeth and distinctive head tentacles make them easy to recognise once you know what to look for. Whether peeking out from a coral crevice or sitting boldly on a rock watching passing divers, blennies are full of character and are often one of the highlights of any dive. This guide explains how to identify blennies, where they live, their behaviour, diet and the different species you may encounter while diving around the world's coral reefs.