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By Bob Goemans
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Ecsenius

Ecsenius opsifrontalis

Chapman & Schultz, 1952

Comical Blenny

Likely Reef Tank Suitable

Likely Fish-Only Tank Suitable

Range: Pacific Ocean: Micronesia, Gilbert Islands, Rotuma, and Samoa.

Size: 2 inches (5 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits coral rich reefs in lagoons and on seaward reefs and usually found at depths between 15 – 100 feet (5 – 30 m) where it feeds mostly on algae.

General Husbandry: Rarely seen in the trade and usually having a whitish body with two lengthwise reddish lines and sometimes several vertical body bars.

Can be maintained in either fish-only or reef aquariums having rocky areas with caves/crevices to hide/rest in when needing to do so, and if feasible, containing heavy growths of algae that it can dine on.

Tankmates must be peaceful, as even moderately aggressive tankmates will prevent this species from getting its share of the food when available.

Requires a diet high in vegetable matter, and if sufficient aquarium algae is not present, its diet must be supplemented with vegetable matter including frozen and dried foods containing ‘marine’ algae and especially Spirulina algae. It should be fed as often as necessary to maintain its health.

Taxonomy:

    Order: Perciformes

    Suborder: Blennioidei

    Family: Blenniidae

    Genus: Ecsenius

FYI: Unless there is a sufficient amount of greens this fish will slowly waste away.

One per aquarium.

A good jumper, so you may need a covered tank.

Experience Level: Beginner

Temperament: Peaceful

Diet: Herbivore

Coral Safe: With caution

Fish Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: With caution

Acclimation Time: 30 minutes+

Aquarium Environment: Reef or fish-only aquarium

Tankmates: Peaceful

Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons

Temperature Range: 72 - 82°F (22 – 27°C)

Specific Gravity: 1.020 - 1.026

pH: 8.0 - 8.5

 Ecsenius opsifrontalis (Comical Blenny)
Photo © John Randall
Ecsenius oculus Ecsenius pictus
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