The Redlip Blenny, Ophioblennius atlanticus, also known as the Red Lip Blenny, Lipstick Blenny, and Devilfish, has a grayish brown elongated body and an extended mouth with its namesake red lips. These fish are homey creatures. The Redlip Blenny exhibits the characteristic continuous dorsal fin, blunt head, and specialized teeth found in the blenny family. They will often find a favorite spot in the tank and spend most of their time in that “home”. In their time spent outside of their home, they will explore the nooks and crannies created by nicely constructed live rock work. Like some other blennies, the Redlip Blenny can be a beneficial tank member as they graze on algae around the tank and require little direct feeding. This is an excellent fish for a reef tank as they are hardy and will eat almost any kind of prepared food. However, in small tanks the Redlip Blenny should not be kept with other blennies. The Redlip Blenny is a prolific jumper so it should only be housed in a tank with tightly sealed lid to prevent potential escape.
The Redlip Blenny is one of the most aggressive blennies and will be quite territorial with other blennies. Males are usually larger than females and can grow up to 8 inches in the wild. The Redlip Blenny is equipped with two fang-like teeth that it will use to defend its territory, even against larger fish. Don’t let its sometimes-aggressive habits sway you away from caring for a Redlip Blenny as if they are housed with appropriate tank mates, they are incredibly friendly.
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