Rockpool Blenny
Borracho de Poza
(Hypsoblennium gilberti)

Rockpool Blenny, Hypsoblennium gilberti: The Rockpool Blenny has a similar appearance to several blennies but has a unique flap over the eyes (orbital cirrus) that is divided at the base into seven or more filaments.

The Rockpool Blenny also has a unique lateral line that extends to above the midpoint of the anal fin. It has an overall green olive coloration that varies with its surroundings. There are 12 dorsal spines and 18 or 19 dorsal rays with the rayous portions being larger than the spinous portions. The anal fin of the Rockpool Blenny has two spines and 19 to 21 rays.

The Rockpool Blenny reaches a maximum length of 5.5 inches and is found in the intertidal zone to 33 feet deep.

Although reported to be “common,” due to its size the Rockpool Blenny is of limited interest to most.

This is a difficult fish species to identify being similar to the Bay Blenny, Hypsoblennius gentilis, and the Mussel Blenny, Hypsoblennius jenkinsi, but both of these have orbital cirrus without numberous branched filaments.

Distribution in Mexico fishing areas

In Mexican fishing waters the Rockpool Blenny can be found from the U.S. border south to Magdalena Bay, Baja California Sur.

The Rockpool Blenny is a Combtooth Blenny and member of the Blenniidae Family which are known in Mexican fishing areas as borrachos. Globally there are 305 members of the Blenniidae Family of which five species are found in Mexican waters. The Blennies are small bottom dwelling fishes that are a significant component of the fish community. They are characterized by their elongated compressed scaleless bodies and a continuous (without a notch) dorsal fin which has fewer spines than soft rays. Their heads are short and blunt with a steep profile and the mouths are low on the head.

Rockpool Blenny fish picture

Rockpool Blenny, Hypsoblennium gilberti: Caught while fishing off the Ocean Beach Pier, San Diego, Calif., in May 2008, on cut squid bait with a traditional bottom rig with size-4 hooks. Size approximately 5 inches. Identification courtesy of Dr. Phil Hastings, Scripps Institute of Oceanography, La Jolla, Calif. Description and photo courtesy of John Snow.

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