Species Category: Blennies

The Tailspot Blenny, *Ecsenius stigmatura*, is a charming and active addition to the home aquarium. This small blenny is easily recognized by the prominent black spot at the base of its tail, contrasting with its generally tan to light brown body and often speckled or mottled pattern. They have a distinctive elongated body shape and spend much of their time perched on rocks or other surfaces, observing their surroundings.

A minimum aquarium size of 10 gallons is recommended for a single Tailspot Blenny. They appreciate a well-established tank with plenty of live rock offering numerous crevices and hiding places. While generally peaceful, they can be territorial towards other blennies or fish with similar body shapes. They are considered reef safe and will not typically bother corals or invertebrates.

Tailspot Blennies are primarily herbivores and omnivores. Their diet should consist of a variety of marine algae, spirulina, and high-quality flake or pellet foods designed for herbivores. They will also readily accept small meaty foods such as mysis shrimp or enriched brine shrimp. Providing a varied diet is essential for their long-term health. In the aquarium, they typically reach a size of about 2.5 inches. There are no readily apparent visual differences between males and females.

The Striped Blenny, *Chasmodes bosquianus*, is a fascinating and active addition to the home aquarium. This blenny is characterized by its elongated body and prominent eyes, often displaying subtle vertical banding along its sides. Its coloration can vary, typically featuring shades of brown, gray, or olive, allowing it to blend effectively with its surroundings.

A minimum tank size of 20 gallons is recommended for the Striped Blenny, providing ample space for it to explore and establish territories. A sandy substrate and plenty of live rock or other structures are essential, as these blennies are known for their perching behavior and will utilize crevices and holes for shelter. While generally peaceful, they can be territorial towards conspecifics or other blennies, especially in smaller tanks. They are not considered reef safe as they may nip at corals and invertebrates.

In the aquarium, the Striped Blenny is primarily a carnivore. Its diet should consist of a variety of meaty foods, including mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and other small crustaceans. High-quality frozen or live foods are preferred to ensure proper nutrition. They will also graze on algae and detritus in the tank.

The Striped Blenny typically reaches a size of up to 4 inches in the home aquarium. There are no readily apparent visual differences between males and females. Breeding in captivity is not commonly reported.

The Red Scooter Blenny, *Synchiropus stellatus*, is a captivating and unique addition to the home aquarium. Despite its common name, it is not a true blenny but rather a dragonet, closely related to the Mandarinfish. Its striking appearance features a mottled pattern of red, brown, and white, allowing it to blend seamlessly with live rock and sand substrates. Males are typically larger and possess a more elaborate dorsal fin than females.

A minimum tank size of 30 gallons is recommended for a single Red Scooter Blenny, with larger tanks preferred for multiple individuals or a pair. A mature aquarium with a substantial amount of live rock and a deep sand bed is crucial, as these fish are benthic foragers, spending their time sifting through the substrate and grazing on microcrustaceans and other small invertebrates. A refugium can be beneficial to cultivate a continuous supply of live food. While generally peaceful, they can be territorial towards conspecifics, especially in smaller tanks. They are considered reef safe and will not harm corals or invertebrates.

The Red Scooter Blenny is a specialized feeder and can be challenging to acclimate to prepared foods. Their primary diet in the aquarium should consist of live copepods and amphipods. While some individuals may eventually accept frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, or other small meaty foods, a consistent supply of live food is essential for their long-term health and survival. They are slow, deliberate eaters and can be outcompeted for food by more active tank mates. Breeding in captivity is rare but has been achieved in dedicated systems with a bonded pair and a continuous supply of live planktonic food for the larvae.

The Ruby Red Dragonet, *Synchiropus sycorax*, is a captivating and relatively new addition to the aquarium trade, prized for its stunning coloration and peaceful demeanor. Its body is a vibrant, almost iridescent ruby red, often with subtle darker markings or spots. The fins are typically edged in blue or purple, adding to its visual appeal. Unlike many fish, dragonets lack scales, giving them a smooth, almost velvety appearance.

A minimum tank size of 30 gallons is recommended for a single Ruby Red Dragonet, with larger tanks preferred for pairs or community settings. A mature aquarium with a thriving population of copepods and amphipods is essential, as these are their primary food source in the wild. Live rock and a deep sand bed provide crucial foraging grounds and hiding places. They are generally peaceful and can be kept with other docile fish, but care should be taken to avoid housing them with aggressive or fast-feeding tank mates that would outcompete them for food.

In the aquarium, the Ruby Red Dragonet typically reaches a size of around 2 to 3 inches. They are micro-predators, constantly sifting through the substrate and live rock for small invertebrates. While they may eventually accept frozen mysis shrimp or enriched brine shrimp, a consistent supply of live copepods and amphipods is crucial for their long-term health and survival. Hobbyists often supplement their tanks with live cultures of these organisms.

Distinguishing between male and female Ruby Red Dragonets can be challenging, although males may exhibit slightly more elaborate dorsal fins. Breeding in captivity is difficult and rarely achieved by hobbyists. They are not considered reef-safe as they may pick at small invertebrates, but they are generally not a threat to corals.

The Starry Blenny, *Salarias ramosus*, is a captivating and beneficial addition to the home aquarium. Its body is typically a mottled brown or tan, adorned with numerous small, pale spots that give it its “starry” appearance. These spots can vary in intensity and color depending on the individual and its environment. It possesses a distinctive comb-like row of teeth used for scraping algae.

A minimum tank size of 30 gallons is recommended for the Starry Blenny, providing ample space for grazing and establishing territories. A well-established aquarium with plenty of live rock is essential, as this provides both hiding places and a natural food source. The Starry Blenny is generally considered reef-safe, as its primary diet consists of algae. However, individual personalities can vary, and some may occasionally nip at certain corals or invertebrates, though this is not common.

Distinguishing between male and female Starry Blennies is difficult, and they are not commonly bred in captivity. Their diet should primarily consist of marine algae, including dried seaweed (nori) offered on a clip, and high-quality herbivore pellets or flakes. They will also actively graze on algae growing naturally in the aquarium. In the home aquarium, the Starry Blenny typically reaches a size of around 4-5 inches.

The Canary Blenny, *Meiacanthus oualanensis*, is a vibrant yellow fish with a slender body and a distinctive, slightly downturned mouth. Its bright coloration makes it a standout addition to any marine aquarium.

A minimum of a 20-gallon tank is recommended for the Canary Blenny, providing ample swimming space and plenty of live rock for hiding and grazing. This species is generally considered reef-safe, as it is not known to nip at corals or invertebrates.

The Canary Blenny is a venomous fish, possessing fangs that can deliver a mild, non-lethal bite. However, they are generally peaceful and pose no threat to other tank inhabitants unless provoked. They are not easily bred in captivity, and there are no readily apparent visual differences between males and females.

The diet of the Canary Blenny should consist of a variety of meaty foods, including mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and other small crustaceans. They will also readily accept high-quality marine flake and pellet foods. In a well-established aquarium with live rock, they will also graze on small invertebrates and algae. They typically reach a size of about 3 inches in the aquarium.

The Lawnmower Blenny, *Salarias fasciatus*, is a popular and beneficial addition to the saltwater aquarium, known for its voracious appetite for nuisance algae. This blenny is typically mottled brown and tan, providing excellent camouflage among live rock. Its large eyes are set high on its head, and it uses its pectoral fins to “walk” along surfaces.

A minimum tank size of 30 gallons is recommended for the Lawnmower Blenny. The aquarium should be well-established with plenty of live rock to provide ample grazing surfaces and hiding places. While generally peaceful, they can be territorial towards other blennies or fish with similar body shapes and diets, especially in smaller tanks. They are considered reef safe, as their primary diet is algae, and they typically do not bother corals or invertebrates.

In the aquarium, the Lawnmower Blenny’s diet should primarily consist of the algae naturally growing on live rock and tank surfaces. If algae growth is insufficient, supplemental feedings of dried marine algae, spirulina flakes, or blenny-specific frozen foods are necessary. They are excellent at controlling hair algae and other undesirable algal blooms.

Lawnmower Blennies can reach a size of up to 5 inches in the aquarium. There are no readily apparent visual differences between males and females. Breeding in captivity is extremely difficult and rarely achieved by hobbyists.

The Midas Blenny, *Ecsenius midas*, is a captivating and active addition to the home aquarium. Its slender body is typically a vibrant yellow to orange, often with a slightly darker dorsal fin and a distinctive, inquisitive face. They are known for their charming personality and tendency to perch on rocks or coral, observing their surroundings.

A minimum tank size of 20 gallons is recommended for the Midas Blenny. Provide plenty of live rock with crevices and hiding places, as they enjoy having secure spots to retreat to. While generally peaceful, they can be territorial towards other blennies or fish with similar body shapes, especially in smaller tanks. They are considered reef safe and will not typically bother corals or invertebrates.

The Midas Blenny is an omnivore. Their diet should consist of a variety of foods including high-quality marine flake and pellet foods, frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and other meaty foods. They will also graze on algae in the tank.

In the home aquarium, the Midas Blenny typically reaches a size of about 3 to 4 inches. There are no readily apparent visual differences between male and female Midas Blennies. Breeding in captivity is not common.

The Molly Miller Blenny, *Scartella cristata*, is a charming and active addition to the home aquarium. This small blenny is typically mottled brown and tan, providing excellent camouflage among rockwork. They possess distinctive cirri (small fleshy filaments) above their eyes, giving them an inquisitive appearance.

A minimum tank size of 10 gallons is recommended for a single Molly Miller Blenny. Provide plenty of live rock with crevices and hiding places, as they are benthic (bottom-dwelling) and enjoy perching and exploring their surroundings. They are generally peaceful and can be kept with other non-aggressive fish.

Molly Miller Blennies are primarily herbivores and omnivores. Their diet should consist of a variety of marine algae, spirulina, and high-quality flake or pellet foods designed for herbivores. They will also readily accept small meaty foods such as mysis shrimp or brine shrimp. In a well-established tank with live rock, they will also graze on naturally occurring algae.

In the home aquarium, Molly Miller Blennies typically reach a size of around 3-4 inches. They are known for their personality and entertaining behavior, often “hopping” or “walking” across the substrate and rockwork. They are relatively hardy and a good choice for beginner to intermediate aquarists. Sexing is difficult, and breeding in captivity is not commonly reported.

The Bicolor Blenny, *Ecsenius bicolor*, is a captivating and active addition to the home aquarium. This small blenny is easily recognized by its striking coloration: the anterior half of its body is typically a vibrant orange or reddish-brown, transitioning sharply to a dark brown or black on the posterior half, including the tail fin. Some individuals may display a more uniform dark coloration with only a hint of the lighter anterior.

A minimum tank size of 20 gallons is recommended for the Bicolor Blenny. Provide plenty of live rock with numerous crevices and hiding places, as these blennies are known for their perching behavior and will spend much of their time darting in and out of their chosen spots. They are generally peaceful towards other fish, but can be territorial towards conspecifics or other blennies, especially in smaller tanks.

In the aquarium, the Bicolor Blenny will typically reach a size of approximately 4 inches. They are primarily herbivores and omnivores, and their diet should consist of a variety of foods including marine algae, spirulina, and high-quality blenny or herbivore preparations. They will also readily accept small meaty foods such as mysis shrimp and enriched brine shrimp.

Breeding in the home aquarium is not common. There are no readily apparent visual differences between males and females. The Bicolor Blenny is considered reef safe, as it typically does not bother corals or other invertebrates.