Spinyhead blenny (Acanthemblemaria spinosa) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Other names
Tube blenny
Family
Chaenopsidae (tube blennies)
Origin
Tropical western central Atlantic and Caribbean, from Florida, the Bahamas and the Antilles to Curaçao; small rocky reefs, to 20 m.
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
2 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Minimum tank
40 litres
Care level
beginner
Temperament
peaceful
Reef safe
yes

Care

Tank and decor: needs a small hole in rock, or an empty worm tube, to live in. Suits a nano or small reef. The tank size given is an estimate. Water: the sources give no species-specific figures, so the values here are general marine aquarium guidance: 24–27 °C, pH 8.1–8.4 and specific gravity 1.023–1.026. Keep nitrate low and the water well oxygenated. Behaviour: lives in a hole and defends it; larger fish can push it out, but displaced fish often find their way back. Entertaining to watch as it pops in and out. Identification: brown chequered body with yellow fringes (cirri) on the head. The list gives 2 cm; the article gives up to 2.8 cm. Status: IUCN Least Concern. Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acanthemblemariaspinosa). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Darts out of its hole to snatch small crustaceans and plankton. Offer small frozen foods such as copepods, baby brine shrimp and finely chopped mysis.

Breeding

Not described in the article.

Compatibility and tank mates

Reef safe. Peaceful but will defend its hole. Keep with small, peaceful fish; large fish may eat or bully it.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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