Common name: White-lined comb-tooth

General information

The Painted Blenny, Ecsenius pictus, is a small, colorful fish known for its distinctive patterns and active behavior. This species is part of the combtooth blennies and is appreciated for its personality and ease of care, making it a popular choice among reef aquarium enthusiasts.

Care

Painted Blennies are hardy and adaptable, but they do best in well-established aquariums with plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding. They are herbivores, primarily feeding on algae, so a tank with natural algae growth is beneficial. Supplemental feeding with algae-based foods will keep them healthy and vibrant.

Reproduction

In the aquarium, Ecsenius pictus may display breeding behavior, but successful captive breeding is rare. They are oviparous, with males guarding and aerating the eggs until they hatch.

Habitat

Native to the Indo-Pacific region, Painted Blennies are typically found in shallow, coral-rich environments. They prefer areas with strong water movement and are often seen darting in and out of crevices in the reef.

Geographical distribution includes the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and along the East African coast to the Maldives and Sri Lanka, extending to the Andaman Sea.