Aidablennius sphynx is the only species of the genus Aidablennius. This classification is relatively recent as the species was previously classified within the genus Blennius. This blennid is found in the waters of the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean coast of Morocco, and in the Black Sea. It is a demersal species of rocky and well-lit coastal bottoms where there are a multitude of crevices, holes and hiding places, rarely present in waters deeper than 5 meters.
The body of Aidablennius sphynx can reach 8 cm in length (males are slightly larger than females), being elongated and laterally compressed. The head is robust, with a high face. Above the eyes there are long filamentous tentacles that are not branched and are very evident and characteristic of this species. In male specimens, the length of these supraocular tentacles are even longer than in the case of females. The dorsal fin runs along almost the entire dorsal length of the specimen, being divided into two regions, the first formed by 12 spines and the second by 16 soft rays. The anterior section is higher than the posterior. The pectoral fins are robust and rounded; the ventral fins are reduced; and the caudal fin is rounded. The skin of Aidablennius sphynx is naked, so it has no scales and therefore the protective function of scales is replaced by a mucous secretion. The body coloration is based on brownish / greenish tones with a cryptic pattern. They have between 5 and 7 vertical bands of darker color that are delimited by thin lines of electric blue. In the head region, as well as in the fins, they also have numerous lines and dots, both also of the same electric blue color.
It is relatively easy to differentiate between male and female in Aidablennius sphynx. The males, besides being slightly larger than the females, have a rounded, bluish spot that is surrounded by a reddish stripe. This characteristic male spot is located just behind the eyes, on the back of the head.
The diet of Aidablennius sphynx is based mainly on small invertebrates and especially on various algae.
Reproduction takes place during the months of April to August. During this period, the females will lay multiple clutches with different males, and it is the latter who take care of the clutch. Each female can lay up to 7,000 eggs per clutch, which will remain attached to the substrate through a filamentous adhesive pad inside the burrow. The males will protect their small caves, from which only part of their body will usually be visible. Several studies have shown that females tend to lay their eggs with large males that are already caring for a clutch, as this ensures better oxygenation and care of the eggs by the males. Being a territorial species, male Aidablennius sphynx will fiercely defend their territories against other males or other combtooth blennies species. They generally make upward head movements and fully deploy their dorsal fin. If the adversary does not cease in his attitude, a battle with their mouths can be initiated, and direct attacks with bites to the opponent.
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