Tailspot Blenny (Ecsenius stigmatura) Care Guide
A tiny, adorable blenny with a distinctive dark spot at the base of the tail. Tan-brown body with subtle orange and blue markings. Perfect for nano reef aquariums due to its small size.
Overview
Ecsenius stigmatura is a species in the family Blenniidae. A tiny, adorable blenny with a distinctive dark spot at the base of the tail. Tan-brown body with subtle orange and blue markings. Perfect for nano reef aquariums due to its small size. Peaceful algae grazer that perches on rocks with a curious personality.
Taxonomy
- Family: Blenniidae
- Genus: Ecsenius
- Scientific name: Ecsenius stigmatura
- Origin: Western Pacific
Habitat
Native to the western Pacific from the Philippines and Indonesia south to the Great Barrier Reef. Inhabits clear lagoons and outer reef slopes at depths of 2-25 m, where it perches on coral and rocks and grazes microalgae and detritus from the substrate.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 40 L
- Temperature: 24-27 °C
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- GH: 8-12 °dGH
- Water flow: moderate
- Adult size: 4-6 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, Small Wrasses
- Avoid with: Other Blennies, Large 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