Tailspot Blenny – Ecsenius stigmatura

Tailspot Blenny (Ecsenius stigmatura) Care Guide
The Tailspot Blenny (Ecsenius stigmatura) is a small, peaceful, and highly entertaining fish that makes an excellent addition to reef aquariums. Known for its distinctive tail spot and playful personality, this blenny is ideal for nano and community tanks.
Description
Habitat & Behavior
Native to the Indo-Pacific region, often found in rocky reefs and coral rubble.
Peaceful and shy but will establish a small territory in the aquarium.
Perches on rocks and darts into crevices when startled.
Known for its algae-grazing habits, helping to control nuisance algae in the tank.
Aquarium Requirements
Minimum Tank Size: 10+ gallons (larger preferred for multiple fish).
Rockwork: Needs plenty of live rock with hiding spots and perches.
Substrate: Not picky but enjoys fine sand and rocky areas.
Water Flow: Moderate; avoids strong currents.
Lighting: Adaptable to most reef lighting setups.
Water Parameters
Temperature: 74-80°F
Salinity: 1.024-1.026
pH: 8.1-8.4
Ammonia/Nitrites: 0 ppm
Nitrates: <10 ppm (low but tolerable levels). Diet & Feeding Primarily herbivorous, grazing on algae and biofilm. Supplement diet with: ? Marine algae sheets (nori) ? High-quality pellets & flakes (spirulina-based preferred) ? Frozen foods like mysis and brine shrimp (occasional treat) Avoid overfeeding to maintain water quality and prevent obesity. Tank Mates & Compatibility ? Reef-safe, does not harm corals or invertebrates. ? Gets along with peaceful community fish like gobies, clownfish, wrasses, and firefish. ? Avoid aggressive tank mates like dottybacks, large wrasses, or aggressive damsels. ? Do not house with larger blennies or similar-looking species to avoid territorial disputes. Acclimation Process Turn off tank lights to reduce stress. Float the sealed bag for 15-20 minutes to equalize temperature. Drip acclimate over 30-60 minutes to prevent osmotic shock. Gently release the fish into the tank near a rock structure for quick shelter. Monitor for the first few days to ensure it adjusts and starts eating. Special Considerations ? Great for nano reefs due to its small size and algae-eating habits. ? Very peaceful but may establish a small territory in the rockwork. ? Prone to jumping—ensure a tight-fitting lid on the aquarium. ? Can change coloration slightly based on mood and environment.