The Tailspot Blenny, or Ecsenius Stigmatura, is a popular saltwater fish among aquarium enthusiasts. With its striking appearance, lively personality, and easy-to-care-for nature, it has become a popular addition to many aquariums. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about the Tailspot Blenny, from its appearance to its care requirements.
Appearance
The Tailspot Blenny is a small fish that grows to be about 6-8 cm (2.5-3) inches long. It has a slender body and a small head with a large mouth. Its most distinctive feature is its bright yellow tail, which stands out against its blue and brownish body. Its dorsal fin is tall and spiky, and its eyes are large and round.
Natural environment
The Tailspot Blenny is native to the reefs and rocky areas of the Indo-Pacific Ocean. It can be found in areas ranging from the Red Sea to Hawaii. It prefers to live in shallow waters, usually no deeper than 30 meters (100 feet), and can often be seen darting in and out of small crevices and holes in the rock.
Behavior
Tailspot Blennies are lively and active fish that spend most of their time perched on rocks or swimming through the water column. They are known for their playful and curious personalities and can often be seen exploring their environment. They are not aggressive towards other fish but may become territorial with other blennies, so it is recommended to keep them in a tank with plenty of hiding places.
Reproduction & lifespan
Tailspot Blennies are egg layers and breed in the wild during the spring and summer months. They can live up to 4 years in captivity with proper care.
Diet
Tailspot Blennies are omnivores and will eat a variety of foods, including algae, plankton, and small crustaceans. In an aquarium setting, they can be fed a diet of high-quality pellets, frozen or live brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and other small foods.
Keeping a Tailspot Blenny
Tailspot Blennies are a hardy fish and are relatively easy to care for, making them an ideal choice for beginners. They prefer a tank with plenty of live rock and hiding places, as well as open swimming space. A minimum tank size of 75 liters (20 gallons) is recommended for a single Tailspot Blenny, with an additional 40 liters (10 gallons) of space for each additional fish.
| Scientific name | Ecsenius stigmatura |
| Type of aquarium | Considered reef-safe, so they can be kept in a reef aquarium. However, they may nip at some types of corals (such as the Tridacna), so be sure to monitor their behavior and remove them if they become problematic. |
| Size | Up to 5-8 cm / 2-3 inches in length |
| Region | Native to the Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea and the western Pacific Ocean as well as the Banda Sea (Indonesia). |
| Ideal tank size | A minimum tank size of 50 liters / 13 gallons is recommended. They need plenty of hiding places and swimming space, but are suitable to be kept in a nano tank. |
| Ideal water temperature | 24-28 °C / 75-82 °F |
| pH | 8.1-8.4 |
| Diet | Omnivores: will eat a variety of foods, including small meaty foods and algae-based foods. It’s important to provide a varied diet to ensure that they receive all the nutrients they need. |
| Schooling | Bicolor Blennies are not schooling fish and can be kept singly or in pairs. Be aware though that males are aggressive towards each other and will continue fighting until the last man standing. |
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