Blennies

Ringneck blenny (Parablennius pilicornis)

The Ringneck blenny (Parablennius pilicornis) 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 8 cm and is found at 1–50 m depth. IUCN conservation status: Least Concern. It is not dangerous to divers.

Ringneck blenny (Parablennius pilicornis), a Red Sea fish of the blennies family
Photo: iNaturalist / Wikimedia Commons

Quick facts

Scientific nameParablennius pilicornis
FamilyBlennies (Blenniidae)
Common name (IT)Bavosa cornuta
Common name (EN)Ringneck blenny
Maximum size8 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 Ringneck blenny belong to?
The Ringneck blenny (Parablennius pilicornis) belongs to the family Blenniidae (blennies).
Is the Ringneck blenny dangerous?
It is not dangerous to divers. As with any reef animal, do not touch or handle it.
Is the Ringneck 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 Ringneck blenny get?
It reaches a maximum length of about 8 cm.

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