NaH2O
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- Jan 25, 2004
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For the first FOTW, I will cover Ecsenius sp.. I have picked a few blennies out of this large group that are more commonly seen in the hobby. One of my all time favorite fish belongs to this genus, so I look forward to reading everyones' experiences with them.
The genus, Ecsenius, is one of the largest groups, containing 47 species. These blennies stay small, around 4 inches, and do well in reef systems. They prefer scattered rocks for perching and hiding.
I picked three species to discuss: Ecsenius midas, Ecsenius bicolor, and Ecsenius gravieri
Ecsenius midas - Midas Blenny:
A well liked blenny, the Midas Blenny (sometimes referred to as the Persian blenny), comes from the Indo-Pacific region (Gulf of Aqaba and southeast coast of Africa to the Marquesan Islands), and grows to ~4 inches. The coloration is a golden orange, black spot around the anus, anterior part of dorsal fin with a narrow dark margin. The Indonesian form is a grey or greenish to golden yellow color. This blenny exhibits rapid color changes when stressed. They inhabit coral reefs from clear coastal to the outer reef walls, usually where the currents are moderate. The midas blenny has been observed schooling with Pseudanthias squamipinnis (Lyretail Anthias), of which it has been called a mimic due to the similar coloration. They can change color quickly from when they are on the bottom swimming in open water to match the colors of the fishes it mixes with.
This species is different than its close relatives, as it feeds mostly on zooplankton rather than algae. They are excellent reef aquarium inhabitants, and require a varied diet. According to Scott W. Michael, he has witnessed this species biting at the fins of a firefish and goby, but states that it is most likely to become a behavioral problem in smaller aquariums. Too bad everything this species touched didn't turn to gold - I'd love to have a whole bunch of gold around the house.
Ecsenius bicolor - Bicolor Blenny:
Another popular blenny, the Bicolor, comes from the Indo-Pacific (Maldives to the Phoenix Islands, north to Ryukyu Islands, south to the southern Great Barrier Reef; throughout Micronesia), and grows to 4 inches. They inhabit clear lagoon and seaward reefs with mixed corals and algae covered rocks. Their coloration gives this species its name, with the anterior being a dark purple/brown/black and the posterior being yellow/orange color. Other coloration is dark dorsally with a broad white lateral band and dusky belly, with or without the yellow tail.
The bicolor blenny loves to perch on rocks and hide in any hole it can fit in, while picking at the microalgae growing on live rock. They do enjoy a good game of peek-a-boo, and love when cats stare at them from outside the tank (speaking of personal experience here ). They feed on vegetable matter, and are generally easy to keep. Reef aquarium compatability is debated for the bicolor blenny. The occasional specimen may nip at clam mantles, LPS, and SPS. They may also behave aggressively to members of its own species, firefishes, and gobies. They also have the ability to jump out of uncovered aquariums.
Ecsenius gravieri - Red Sea Mimic Blenny:
The Red Sea mimic blenny comes from....you guessed it, the Red Sea region. More specifically, Western Indian Ocean: Red Sea (including the Gulf of Aqaba) to the westernmost Gulf of Aden. These guys get to a length of about 3 inches. They mimic Meiacanthus nigrolineatus(Blackline Fang Blenny), which is avoided by predators due to its venomous fangs.
The Red Sea mimic blenny feeds on vegetable matter, and also enjoys spending its day perching and picking off microalgae on the live rock. They, like the bicolor blenny, think vegetable matter is especially tasty (mmmm Spirulina). The Red Sea mimic blenny might eat SPS, and bite at LPS and Clam mantles. If you are of the same species, look similar, or are a bottom dweller, then watch out because they might act aggressively towards you.
Let's hear some personal experiences with these awesome fish. Please include any issues you have had and any special care they required.
The genus, Ecsenius, is one of the largest groups, containing 47 species. These blennies stay small, around 4 inches, and do well in reef systems. They prefer scattered rocks for perching and hiding.
I picked three species to discuss: Ecsenius midas, Ecsenius bicolor, and Ecsenius gravieri
Ecsenius midas - Midas Blenny:
A well liked blenny, the Midas Blenny (sometimes referred to as the Persian blenny), comes from the Indo-Pacific region (Gulf of Aqaba and southeast coast of Africa to the Marquesan Islands), and grows to ~4 inches. The coloration is a golden orange, black spot around the anus, anterior part of dorsal fin with a narrow dark margin. The Indonesian form is a grey or greenish to golden yellow color. This blenny exhibits rapid color changes when stressed. They inhabit coral reefs from clear coastal to the outer reef walls, usually where the currents are moderate. The midas blenny has been observed schooling with Pseudanthias squamipinnis (Lyretail Anthias), of which it has been called a mimic due to the similar coloration. They can change color quickly from when they are on the bottom swimming in open water to match the colors of the fishes it mixes with.
This species is different than its close relatives, as it feeds mostly on zooplankton rather than algae. They are excellent reef aquarium inhabitants, and require a varied diet. According to Scott W. Michael, he has witnessed this species biting at the fins of a firefish and goby, but states that it is most likely to become a behavioral problem in smaller aquariums. Too bad everything this species touched didn't turn to gold - I'd love to have a whole bunch of gold around the house.
Ecsenius bicolor - Bicolor Blenny:
Another popular blenny, the Bicolor, comes from the Indo-Pacific (Maldives to the Phoenix Islands, north to Ryukyu Islands, south to the southern Great Barrier Reef; throughout Micronesia), and grows to 4 inches. They inhabit clear lagoon and seaward reefs with mixed corals and algae covered rocks. Their coloration gives this species its name, with the anterior being a dark purple/brown/black and the posterior being yellow/orange color. Other coloration is dark dorsally with a broad white lateral band and dusky belly, with or without the yellow tail.
The bicolor blenny loves to perch on rocks and hide in any hole it can fit in, while picking at the microalgae growing on live rock. They do enjoy a good game of peek-a-boo, and love when cats stare at them from outside the tank (speaking of personal experience here
). They feed on vegetable matter, and are generally easy to keep. Reef aquarium compatability is debated for the bicolor blenny. The occasional specimen may nip at clam mantles, LPS, and SPS. They may also behave aggressively to members of its own species, firefishes, and gobies. They also have the ability to jump out of uncovered aquariums.Ecsenius gravieri - Red Sea Mimic Blenny:
The Red Sea mimic blenny comes from....you guessed it, the Red Sea region. More specifically, Western Indian Ocean: Red Sea (including the Gulf of Aqaba) to the westernmost Gulf of Aden. These guys get to a length of about 3 inches. They mimic Meiacanthus nigrolineatus(Blackline Fang Blenny), which is avoided by predators due to its venomous fangs.
The Red Sea mimic blenny feeds on vegetable matter, and also enjoys spending its day perching and picking off microalgae on the live rock. They, like the bicolor blenny, think vegetable matter is especially tasty (mmmm Spirulina). The Red Sea mimic blenny might eat SPS, and bite at LPS and Clam mantles. If you are of the same species, look similar, or are a bottom dweller, then watch out because they might act aggressively towards you.
Let's hear some personal experiences with these awesome fish. Please include any issues you have had and any special care they required.
