Sailfin Blenny
2. Sailfin Blenny Color Change
Photo 2 of 3: This is the second photo in the sequence, capturing the Sailfin Blenny mid-transition.
| Name: | Sailfin Blenny |
| Scientific Name: | Emblemaria pandionis |
| Family: | Tube Blennies |
| Taxonomic: | Chaenopsidae |
| ID Group: | Blennies |
| Size: | 1.5 - 2 in. |
| Depth Range: | In shallow waters (0 – 15 ft.) |
| Sightings: | Seen often |
This Blenny has a tall, sail-like front dorsal fin that stays folded when at rest. It has a rounded head, a short snout, and a single long, banded cirrus above its eye. Males are typically dark brown with black snouts but can turn pale when disturbed. Females are light tan with scattered pale spots and darker blotches and have smaller dorsal fins compared to males.
The Sailfin Blenny lives in small groups in sandy and rocky areas. It stays inside its hole with only its head visible. Males jump from their shelter and raise and lower their large dorsal fin, most often in the late afternoon. It quickly retreats when disturbed but can be observed if approached carefully.