Feather Blenny

Feather Blenny

Hypsoblennius hentzi

Size: to 5"

Habitat: bays, estuaries, protected coastal waters

Notes:

Blennies live on the bottom in oyster beds or mussel beds. If you find an old piece of pipe or a bottle in the river, look inside - you'll probably find a blenny.

Feather Blenny

Feather Blennies have branching "horns" over the eyes, called cirri.

Similar Striped Blenny has a more pointed profile with almost invisible cirri. I have not yet encountered the third and final species of blenny in our area - the Seaweed Blenny.

Feather Blenny
Feather Blenny
When I was cleaning his aquarium once, this little bugger swam up and bit my hand, and left a mark !!! They have very strong jaws.

The "Sachem" wreck is typical of the remains of many unknown wooden sailing ships that are found off the coast. Three parallel sets of ribs and scattered decking between provide good habitat for lobster. The wreck sits in 60' of water on a clean sandy bottom and visibility is usually good on this site. Fairly large and scattered, it also provides a good opportunity for the spearfisherman.