Marine Life

Blenny
(Hypsoblennius)
Courtesy of Tom Haight

These small fish inhabit rocky-bottomed areas to a depth of about 60 feet. They are also found hiding around piers and pilings. The Blenny will often inhabit discarded large shells where you will see their heads sticking out. Depending on the species, the blenny will show little attention to divers or will retreat into a shell or rock to hide. The Blennies around Doheny State Beach will grow to a length of about six inches but four to five inches is much more common. Somewhat like the Garibaldi, the male Blenny will build a nest to attract females to lay their eggs. Blennies feed on algae, bryozoans, small urchins and limpets.