The Tompot Blenny (Parablennius gattorugine) is a fascinating marine fish species found in the waters around Malta. Belonging to the combtooth blenny family, this species inhabits the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, coastal waters off western Europe, North Africa, the Mediterranean Sea, and, notably, the Maltese Islands. The specific name “gattorugine” was first used by Francis Willughby in 1688 after observing these blennies in Venice and hearing them referred to as “rusty cat.”
The genus Parablennius is part of the family Blenniidae, order Blenniiformes, class Actinopterygii, phylum Chordata, and kingdom Animalia. This classification places the Tompot Blenny among a diverse group of fish known for their comb-like teeth and unique behaviors. The Tompot Blenny is easily recognizable by its distinctive physical features and vibrant behaviors.
The Tompot Blenny is a relatively large blenny, growing up to 30 centimeters in length. It has an elongated body, large head, and prominent eyes, which are bicolored with the top part brown and the bottom part white. Unique features include a single branched tentacle over each eye and additional tentacles over the nostrils. The coloration is primarily yellow-brown, although some individuals may appear greenish. It is marked with at least seven dark bars extending from the dorsal fin to the belly, and each fish has a unique set of facial markings.
Tompot Blennies are territorial fish, establishing territories around crevices in rocky reefs for shelter. They inhabit shallow seas at depths of 3 to 32 meters, with smaller specimens found in rock pools above the low tide mark. These fish use their sharp, comb-like teeth to scrape food from substrates, feeding primarily on sea anemones, prawns, and other invertebrates. They are crepuscular, being most active during dawn and dusk. Like most fish, they harbor several species of parasites, including the capillariid nematode Pseudocapillaria bainae.
Tompot Blennies spawn from March to May. Males become chocolate brown during breeding and develop bulb-like glands on the spines of the anal fin. They mate with several females and guard the eggs, which are demersal and adhere to substrates by a filamentous adhesive patch. Males defend their territories and often fight other males, frequently sustaining injuries. The eggs hatch about a month after laying, and the males continue to guard them. The pale, cauliflower-like glands on the males’ anal fins are believed to attract females and assist in cleaning the eggs.
Malta offers excellent opportunities to observe Tompot Blennies in their natural habitat. A notable observation site is Reqqa Point on Gozo’s north coast, where these fish can be seen at depths as shallow as 3 meters. Divers can enjoy the sight of these unique fish with their distinctive markings and engaging behaviors, providing an enriching experience in the vibrant underwater world of the Mediterranean. The Tompot Blenny, with its unique characteristics and fascinating behaviors, adds to the rich marine biodiversity that makes diving in Malta a remarkable adventure.
