Midas Blenny (Ecsenius midas) Care Guide

A gorgeous golden-yellow blenny that mimics Anthias in both color and swimming behavior, often hovering in the water column with them. Unlike most blennies, it swims freely rather than perching.

Overview

Ecsenius midas is a species in the family Blenniidae. A gorgeous golden-yellow blenny that mimics Anthias in both color and swimming behavior, often hovering in the water column with them. Unlike most blennies, it swims freely rather than perching. Peaceful and reef-safe. Changes color from blue to gold depending on mood.

Taxonomy

Family: Blenniidae
Genus: Ecsenius
Scientific name: Ecsenius midas
Other names: Persian Blenny, Golden Blenny
Origin: Indo-Pacific

Habitat

Distributed across the Indian Ocean and the western and central Pacific from East Africa to the Hawaiian Islands. Inhabits steep outer reef slopes at depths of 2-40 m, hovering in mid-water and feeding on zooplankton; uniquely among Ecsenius blennies, it is largely planktivorous rather than a substrate grazer.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 120 L
Temperature: 24-27 °C
pH: 8.1-8.4
GH: 8-12 °dGH
Water flow: moderate
Adult size: 10-13 cm
Lifespan: 3-5 years
Difficulty: beginner

Diet

Classified as omnivore. 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: middle
Compatible tank mates: Anthias, Clownfish, Tangs, Wrasses
Avoid with: Other Blennies, Aggressive Fish

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