Ringneck Blenny

Parablennius pilicornis

Ringneck Blenny (Parablennius pilicornis) is a small coastal combtooth blenny of rocky shores and tide pools. It is identified by the pale “ring” behind the eye and the tufted head cirri; it is not a common target for anglers.

Saltwater

Ringneck Blenny reference image — Diego Delso, cc-by-sa, via Wikimedia Commons. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Identification points

Distinct pale ring or collar behind the eye
Small combtooth blenny body with a blunt head and large pectoral fins
Multiple skin cirri/tufts on the head, especially above the eyes and snout

Habitat

Shallow rocky reefs, tide pools, surf zones, and algae-covered littoral habitat, usually clinging close to crevices and hard structure in nearshore saltwater.

Bait notes

Rarely targeted; if taken at all, it will usually strike very small natural baits such as shrimp, mysid, or bits of worm. Tiny micro-jigs, sabiki-style hooks, or small soft plastics can trigger curiosity strikes.

Behavior

A benthic, territorial blenny that perches on rocks and darts out to pick small crustaceans, worms, and other tiny invertebrates from the bottom or rock surface.

Caution

Spiny dorsal rays can prick fingers when handling, so use caution. Not a regular food fish and too small for practical harvest; check local rules if collecting from protected rocky shore areas.

Fishing notes

Fish very close to rocks, kelp, and tide-pool edges with ultralight tackle and small hooks. Slow presentations on the bottom work best; most captures are incidental while fishing for other shore species.