Browncheek Barnacle Blenny

The Browncheek Barnacle Blenny (Acanthemblemaria crockeri) is a peaceful species that is reef-safe, admired for its striking coloration, intricate patterns, small size, and unique “peek-a-boo” behavior of darting in and out of barnacle shells and crevices.

Males typically have a dark brown body adorned with numerous small white spots and lines, with a large black-ringed dark mark covering most of the gill cover, and prominent bushy cirri (hair-like structures) above the eyes and nostrils. Females and juveniles generally display a pale whitish body with red to orange blotches along the mid-flank, an orange throat, and smaller cirri.

They reach about 2.4 inches (6 cm) in length and should be housed in aquariums of at least 10 gallons. Their environment should include a sandbed or fine gravel substrate, plenty of live rock with crevices, empty barnacle or worm tubes for hiding spots, and open swimming space nearby. Stable water parameters are essential — salinity should be around 1.020–1.025, temperature between 72–79°F (22–26°C), and pH around 8.1–8.4. A secure lid is important as this species is prone to jumping.

The diet should consist of mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, copepods, and high-quality marine pellets, supplemented with occasional finely chopped meaty foods. With proper care, this small yet charismatic species makes a standout addition to a reef aquarium, adding both visual charm and fascinating behavioral activity.

International Aquatics Quarantine & Guarantee: All fish are checked by marine vets, given a formalin bath, and held for 14 days in copper-treated systems. We feed Selcon-soaked food with Kanaplex and Metroplex during quarantine. Unless marked, all livestock comes with our 15-Day Guarantee. You will receive a video of your fish eating before shipment. On request, we also send photos/videos after arrival at IA. Some species are import-to-order (3-10 business days). Many common species are already cleared or near the end of QT.

Several species will be import-to-order and may take anywhere from 3-10 business days to secure. Once your fish is secured, you will be notified, and the quarantine process will then begin.