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Lipophrys pholis
(Shanny) (Linaeus, 1758)
By
George Reclos
Original drawing in "Guid d'identification des
poissons marins Europe et Mediterranee" by Patrick Louisy
When this species was introduced in the tank, It had a very difficult time
with Salaria pavo which - despite what the
books say - is a really territorial fish regarding the whole bottom of the
tank as its territory. L.pholis is a bit smaller than the S.pavo so the
latter made it very clear who the true boss is. Even now, five months
later, the hierarchy is completely understood and followed. The S.pavo
will be the first to go to the food (at the surface) while the L. pholis
will stay hanging midwater till the S.pavo fills its mouth and leaves.
Very quickly acclimatized mainly because of Salaria pavo which showed it
the way to feed from the surface. Usually it can be seen basking on the
rocks. Will accept almost everything including (but not limited to) frozen
shrimps, frozen mysis, pellets and marine flakes. Very quick during
feeding time will try to get as much food as possible and then retreat to
eat it in peace. This should be taken into account when feeding such a
tank because L.pholis, Parablennius
gattorugine and S.pavo will leave very few things for other fishes. It
is advised either to feed more or chop the food in really tiny pieces so
it will take them more time to get the pieces thus the other fishes will
have a chance to eat something. Easily collected in a rock pool, less than
30 cm deep, during spring. Maximum size is 20 cm - the size of my specimen
is about 10 cm. Will stand really low temperatures since it is the only
true blenny that can be found as north as Norway. Can even walk across
land on its pectoral fins. May live up to ten years.
All photos by George Reclos / MCH - Continued in
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