Maned blenney

Introduction: A maned blenny (Scartella emarginata) has a mucus-coated body, well-rounded head region, is smooth and scaleless. A single dorsal fin extends from the head to the caudal peduncle (the narrow region that attaches the caudal fin to the body). Other features include large eyes, comb-like teeth and well-defined lips. Blennies can survive for long periods out of the water as it retains oxygenated water in its gill chambers. Scartella means 'one who leaps'.

Distribution: Lives within the tidal zone on very shallow reefs and in rock pools around Luderitz, Walvis Bay, Swakopmund, Henties Bay, Terrace Bay and most other areas of the Namibian coastline.

Diet: Red and green seaweeds, rock mussels and a variety of small crustaceans.

Colouration: Body colour varies but is usually brownish with darker spots and crossbars.

Breeding: Occurs throughout the year with between 400 to 800 eggs laid in empty oyster and mussel shells or any other suitable container. Males stay on sentry duty, which hatch after around 6 months.

Max size: 10cm