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How to catch Hairy blenny

Labrisomus nuchipinnis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824)

About Hairy blenny fishing

The hairy blenny is a robust reef-associated fish belonging to the family Labrisomidae, reaching a maximum length of twenty three centimetres. It features a fusiform body marked by four irregular dark brown bars, a pale edged black spot on the opercle, and distinctive cirri on the head. This species inhabits shallow marine waters down to ten metres, preferring rocky and rubble shores, coral reefs, and seagrass beds where it finds shelter in crevices. As a carnivorous benthic predator, it feeds primarily on crustaceans, gastropods, echinoderms, and worms. Spawning occurs throughout the year in territories, with males exhibiting paternal care by guarding and fanning the benthic egg masses.

  • Difficulty

    Medium

  • Average size

    15 cm

  • Habitat

    Saltwater

  • Season

    Spring, Summer, Autumn

  • Also known as

    Hairy Blenny, Molly miller

Hairy blenny

Caudal shape

More or less truncate caudal fin shape distinctive of this blenny.

Pelvic-fin position

Jugular pelvic-fin position set forward under the head.

Opercle spot

Pale edged black spot on opercle is highly diagnostic.

Dark brown bars

Four irregular dark brown bars pattern the robust body.

Hairy blenny fishing facts

Characteristics

  • Typical size

    15 cm (max 23 cm TL )

  • Typical weight

    0.2 kg (max 0.2 kg )

  • Preferred temperature

    23.6–28.1 °C

  • Depth

    0–10 m

  • Body shape

    Fusiform / Normal

  • Vulnerability score

    11.9

Best hours

  • Dawn

    First light

    Low

  • Morning

    After sunrise

    Peak

  • Midday

    High sun

    Active

  • Afternoon

    Late day

    Peak

  • Dusk

    Last light

    Low

  • Night

    After dark

    Low

When to fish for Hairy blenny

01
January
02
February
03
March
04
April
05
May
06
June
07
July
08
August
09
September
10 Now
October
11
November
12
December

How to catch Hairy blenny

Tips for catching Hairy blenny

Target this resident benthic dweller by presenting small natural baits tight against rocky structures, shallow reefs, and dense seaweed mats where it hides in crevices. Use a light sliding ledger rig or a sensitive float setup balanced to keep your hook bait right on the seabed in very shallow water. Small pieces of fresh shrimp or small shore crabs work exceptionally well because they match the natural crustacean diet of the species. Approach the swim with stealth and fish during daylight hours when these diurnal hunters are actively foraging among the rubble and rock pools.

Other names for Hairy blenny

Local and alternate names anglers use for Hairy blenny.

  • Molly miller
  • Hairy blenny

Best equipment to catch Hairy blenny

Compare fishing methods for Hairy blenny — sized kit for each technique.

Note: Typical fish is 0.2 kg Our algorithm will suggest the best equipment for you based on this weight.

Best lures and baits for Hairy blenny

Ranked lures and natural baits from every method, best first.

Where Hairy blenny spends the year — Non-migratory

Stays in the same waters year-round. Look for it on the same grounds rather than timing a run.

Where Hairy blenny spends the year — Non-migratory 1. Eggs: Laid on the home grounds. 2. Juveniles: Grow up close by. 3. Adults: Keep to a small home range. 4. Spawners: Spawn on the same grounds, with only short moves.
Same water all year

1 Eggs

Same water all year

Laid on the home grounds.

2 Juveniles

Same water all year

Grow up close by.

3 Adults

Same water all year

Keep to a small home range.

4 Spawners

Same water all year

Spawn on the same grounds, with only short moves.

Hover or tap a number to read each stage.

Diet and behavior of Hairy blenny

  • Diet

    Carnivore

  • Feeds by

    Hunts animals

  • Hunts

    Morning · Afternoon

  • Feeds over

    Seagrass · Coral reefs · Crevices

  • Main prey

    Baitfish

Prey and predators of Hairy blenny

Prey is what Hairy blenny eats. Predators are the animals that eat it.

That is how it feeds, and how it is hunted.

Prey

What it eats

Where Hairy blenny lives

Tied to reefs and rocky structure in shallow coastal water.

Habitats
Saltwater
Depth zone
Sublittoral
Continental shelf · 0–10 m
Usually 0–5 m
Water column
Benthic
Structure and substrate

Where this species lives