Bicolor Blenny
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
A comical, colorful blenny, ideal for small tanks if kept singly. Scott W. Michael
[edit] Overview
A comical little fish that has lots of character, this is an excellent, easy-to-keep community species that also has an interesting chromatic scheme with at least three different color phases.
Family: Blenniidae
Other common name(s):
Native range:
Habitat: Reef and lagoons, near corals or rocky rubble and macroalgae. Provide plenty of hiding places, preferably small holes that it can back into. If necessary, use a 1⁄2- to-3⁄4-inch drill bit to create some holes in the soft coral rock.
Maximum length: 10 cm (4 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 76 L (20 gal)
Water: Marine 24 °C (297 K, 75 °F) - 28 °C (301 K, 82 °F)
General swimming level: Near substrate.
[edit] Feeding
Herbivore. Feed frozen and flake foods containing marine algae and spirulina at least once a day (if little algae is present in the tank, feed more often).
[edit] Aquarium Compatibility
The Bicolor Blenny is rarely aggressive toward other fishes, with the exception of other blennies (especially others in the same genus). Aggression is usually not a problem in a tank of 75 gallons (285 L) or more. In very small tanks, it may chase passive zooplankton feeders like dartfishes and firefishes. Keep singly unless the tank is large. They will be more congenial to one another if you acquire a male and female (unfortunately, there is no known way to distinguish sex by external characteristics).
This fish is generally safe in a reef tank, but may nip at clam mantles and coral polyps.
[edit] Breeding/Propagation
Demersal (on or near the bottom) spawners that tend and protect their broods.
[edit] Notes
The Bicolor Blenny will spend most of its time resting on the aquarium rockwork or nipping at the glass or hard substrate. When resting, it will back into small holes with only its head protruding or perch, in repose, on the live rock.
| Common name | Bicolor Blenny + |
| Family | Blenniidae + |
| Genus | Ecsenius + |
| Image credit | SWM + |
| Maximum length | 4 in + |
| Minimum aquarium size | 20 gal + |
| Native range | Indo-Pacific +, Maldives +, Phoenix Islands +, Ryukyu Islands +, Micronesia +, and Great Barrier Reef + |
| Reference | 101 Best Saltwater Fishes + |
| Specific name | bicolor + |
| Swimming level | Near substrate. + |
| Text credit | SWM + |
| Water max temp | 301 K (28 °C, 82 °F) + |
| Water min temp | 297 K (24 °C, 75 °F) + |
| Water type | Marine + |