Parablennius

A Robust genera from the “Fish” group, mostly found in Cobbles

Cobbles

Robust

Fish

Genera Characteristics Recorded Traits Possible Values
Size in cm
  • >20 cm
  • <1 cm
  • 1-10 cm
  • 11-20 cm
  • >20 cm
Genera Characteristics Recorded Traits Possible Values
Motility (Adult)
  • Adult
  • Adult
  • Short Range Mobility
  • Sedentary

“Adult”

Motility (Larval)
  • Brooded or Laid Eggs
  • Long Term Planktonic
  • Short Term Planktonic
  • Brooded or Laid Eggs

“Brooded or Laid Eggs”

Lifespan
  • 3-10 years
  • >10 years
  • 3-10 years
  • 1-2 years
  • <1 year
Maturity
  • 1-2 years
  • >4 years
  • 3-4 years
  • 1-2 years
  • <1 year
Fecundity
  • 1 - 10
  • 10 - 100
  • 100 - 1000
  • 1000 - 10000
  • 10000 - 1 million
  • > 1 million

Image: Parablennius © MES

Vulnerability

Parablennius is a large blennid (21-50 cm) that populates bedrocks, cobbles and pebbles at depths ranging 5-30 m. It is found on most British and Irish coasts although it is more common in the southwest of Britain. It is an omnivorous fish with a mixed diet of algae and benthic invertebrates. Due to its mobility, the vulnerability to dredging is likely to be moderate.

Recoverability

The life span of Parablennius is 6-10 years and the reproductive age is at 1 year. The reproductive frequency is annual and episodic from March to May. Fertilization is external; probably a couple of thousand adhesive demersal eggs are expelled and attached to various types of substrata. The population should recolonize dredged sediments, via migration from other areas, within a short time.

References

  • Biology

    • Hayward & Ryland, 1995b
    • Milton, 1983
    • Wheeler, 1969
    • Whitehead et al., 1986
  • Taxonomy

    • FishBase, 2000
    • Hayward & Ryland, 1995b
    • Hayward et al., 1996
    • Howson & Picton, 1997
    • Wheeler, 1994
    • Whitehead et al., 1986
  • Distribution

    • Beldade et al., 2006
    • FishBase, 2000
    • Hayward & Ryland, 1995b
    • Hayward et al., 1996
    • NBN, 2002
    • Picton & Costello, 1998
    • Wheeler, 1969
    • Wheeler, 1994
    • Whitehead et al., 1986
  • Reproduction

    • Fives, 1986
    • Milton, 1983