Bicolor Blenny (Ecsenius bicolor) Care Guide

A charming small blenny with a two-toned body — dark brown-purple on the front half and orange on the back. Perches on rocks and live rock using its pelvic fins.

Overview

Ecsenius bicolor is a species in the family Blenniidae. A charming small blenny with a two-toned body — dark brown-purple on the front half and orange on the back. Perches on rocks and live rock using its pelvic fins. An excellent algae eater for reef tanks. Can occasionally nip at SPS corals and clam mantles.

Taxonomy

Family: Blenniidae
Genus: Ecsenius
Scientific name: Ecsenius bicolor
Origin: Indo-Pacific

Habitat

Widely distributed across the Indo-West Pacific from the Maldives to Samoa and from southern Japan to the Great Barrier Reef. Inhabits clear lagoons and seaward reefs at depths of 1-25 m, hovering above coral rubble and retreating into vacant tube-worm holes when threatened.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 100 L
Temperature: 24-27 °C
pH: 8.1-8.4
GH: 8-12 °dGH
Water flow: moderate
Adult size: 8-10 cm
Lifespan: 3-5 years
Difficulty: beginner

Diet

Classified as herbivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: peaceful
Swimming level: bottom
Compatible tank mates: Clownfish, Firefish Goby, Wrasses, Tangs
Avoid with: Other Blennies, SPS Corals

Reef compatibility

Generally classified as reef-safe: does not feed on stony or soft corals, tridacnid clams or ornamental shrimps under normal conditions.

Breeding

Breeding difficulty: advanced