Blennies

Dusky blenny (Atrosalarias fuscus)

The Dusky blenny (Atrosalarias fuscus) belongs to the family Blenniidae (blennies) and is found in the Red Sea, with a wider Indo-Pacific range. It is a herbivore and usually seen alone. It reaches about 10 cm and is found at 1–50 m depth. IUCN conservation status: Least Concern. It is not dangerous to divers.

Dusky blenny (Atrosalarias fuscus), a Red Sea fish of the blennies family
Photo: iNaturalist / Wikimedia Commons

Quick facts

Scientific nameAtrosalarias fuscus
FamilyBlennies (Blenniidae)
Common name (IT)Bavosa bruna
Common name (EN)Dusky blenny
Maximum size10 cm
Depth1–50 m
DistributionRed Sea and Indo-Pacific
IUCN statusLC — Least Concern

Description

Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.

Where it lives

Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.

  • Red Sea
  • Indo-Pacific

Frequently asked questions

What family does the Dusky blenny belong to?
The Dusky blenny (Atrosalarias fuscus) belongs to the family Blenniidae (blennies).
Is the Dusky blenny dangerous?
It is not dangerous to divers. As with any reef animal, do not touch or handle it.
Is the Dusky blenny endemic to the Red Sea?
No — it occurs in the Red Sea but its range extends across the Indo-Pacific.
How big does the Dusky blenny get?
It reaches a maximum length of about 10 cm.

Explore the Dusky blenny in 3D in the interactive atlas →