Smoothfin Blenny

Ecsenius frontalis

The Smoothfin Blenny is a species of combtooth blenny found in coral reefs of the western Indian Ocean, specifically in the Red Sea and its gulfs. This small fish can grow up to 8 centimeters in length and is characterized by its elongated, oval body shape. It features a dorsal fin with 10 to 13 spines and 18 to 21 soft rays, and an anal fin with 2 spines and 17 to 22 soft rays. These blennies are often found among corals and are recognizable by their dentary incisor teeth, which include anterior canines similar in appearance to incisors. The Smoothfin Blenny inhabits tropical marine environments, typically at depths ranging from 3 to 27 meters. It is primarily herbivorous, feeding on benthic algae and weeds. Divers may encounter this species in the shallow, coastal waters where it is often seen grazing among corals. Its eggs are demersal and adhesive, attaching to substrates via a filamentous pad, while the larvae are planktonic. Listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, the Smoothfin Blenny poses no threat to humans and is sometimes found in the commercial aquarium trade. Divers observing this species can expect a harmless encounter, as it is a non-aggressive fish that contributes to the reef's ecological balance through its feeding habits.