Where is the animal to be found?
The convict blenny fish inhabits coral reefs. It is found on the sandy bottoms of lagoons, coastal coral reefs and on the underside of rocky ledges. It likes to dig itself a refuge and galleries from which it only leaves to feed. It is found at depths of 1 to 50 metres.
How can it be recognised?
It has a body shape similar to that of an eel. It can measure up to 30 cm. Because their coat resembles that of the eel catfish, a species with venomous fins, they confuse their predators, who keep their distance. Then as they grow, convict blennies disperse, move closer to the sea floor, and the appearance of their coat changes.
What is distinctive about it?
They secrete threads of mucus from four adhesive glands between their eyes, which allow them to cling to the wall of their shelter at night. This prevents them from being carried away by currents.