Common name: Blue-head combtooth-blenny

Scientific name: Ecsenius lividanalis Chapman & Schultz, 1952

General information

The Dusky Blenny, scientifically known as Ecsenius lividanalis, is a small, colorful fish that is a popular choice among reef aquarium enthusiasts. This species is part of the Blenniidae family and is known for its distinctive coloration and behavior. The Dusky Blenny has a brown to dark blue body with a vibrant yellow or orange stripe running from the eye to the base of the tail, which can vary in intensity.

Blennies from the genus Ecsenius are known for their curious and watchful nature, often seen perching on rocks or coral heads, observing their surroundings. They are also known for their algae-eating habits, which can be beneficial in controlling algae growth in the aquarium.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
75 liter (20 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
Temperature
24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
Acidity
pH 8.1 to 8.4
Average size
10 cm (4″)
Care level
Moderate to easy Adapts well to aquarium life
Diet
Herbivore Prefers algae-based foods
Social
Solo Territorial, best kept alone
Reefsafe
Yes
Aggression
Semi aggresive May nip at conspecifics
Captive bred
No

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Chordates
    Chordata
  3. Class
    Ray-finned Fishes
    Actinopterygii
  4. Order
    Perch-like Fishes
    Perciformes
  5. Family
    Blennies
    Blenniidae
  6. Genus
    Blennies
    Ecsenius
  7. Species
    Blue-head combtooth-blenny
    Ecsenius lividanalis Chapman & Schultz, 1952
  8. Synonyms
    Ecsenius lividinalis Chapman & Schultz, 1952

Care

Dusky Blennies are hardy and adaptable, making them suitable for both beginner and advanced aquarists. They require an aquarium with plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding. These fish are territorial and should be provided with their own space to prevent aggression towards other blennies or similar-sized fish.

A varied diet is important for the Dusky Blenny, including marine algae, vegetable matter, and meaty foods such as brine shrimp and mysis shrimp. It's essential to ensure that they receive enough plant-based food to meet their nutritional needs.

Reproduction

In the wild, Dusky Blennies are oviparous, with males often guarding and aerating the eggs until they hatch. In the aquarium, breeding can occur if a pair is well-established and the environment is stable, but raising the fry can be challenging.

Habitat

The Dusky Blenny is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. They inhabit shallow reefs and lagoons, often in areas with strong water movement. They can be found at depths ranging from just below the surface to about 30 meters.

Geographical distribution includes areas such as the Maldives, Indonesia, Philippines, and the Great Barrier Reef. Their natural habitat consists of coral-rich areas and rubble slopes where they can find ample food and shelter.