Description: This blenny has a large and tall dorsal fin that is divided into two sections. There is a large black spot ringed with pale blue or white towards the front of the dorsal fin (on first section). Overall it is usually a mottled brown and white. The head tentacles fold forwards and are very high on the head. There's also a pair of small skin flaps in front of these.

Habitat: Usually hidden inside old shells or debris (e.g. old tyres or bottles) or behind stones. Gravel, shelly gravel, maerl and occasionally sand. Usually found from 10 m - 100 m, but has been recorded as deep as 400 m.

Distribution: Scattered records around Britain and Ireland, mostly from south and southwest. Very few records from north.

Similar Species: Unlikely to be confused with any other species, juveniles could potentially be confused with other blennies.

Key Identification Features:

• Large and tall dorsal fin divided into two sections.
• Large black spot towards front of dorsal fin.
• Forward folding head tentacles.
• Habitat preference can also help identify.

Distribution Map from NBN: Blennius ocellaris at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Blennius ocellaris at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

GBIF data for Blennius ocellaris

WoRMS: Blennius ocellaris at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Blennius ocellaris Linnaeus, 1758. AphiaID: 126761.

Classification: Biota; Animalia; Chordata; Vertebrata; Gnathostomata; Osteichthyes; Actinopterygii; Actinopteri; Teleostei; Blenniiformes; Blenniidae; Blenniinae; Blennius