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Fourline Blenny

Ecsenius aequalis

Fourline Blenny - Marine species suitable for tropical aquariums.

Family
Blenniidae
Origin
Oceano Pacifico sud-occidentale: Grande Barriera Corallina e mar dei Coralli.
Origin
Tropical oceans and reefsExtra-Amazon South America
Tank use
Used in 0 tanks

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Species challenges
Water Temperature

22 °C - 27 °C

pH Value

8.1 - 8.4

Water type

Marine

Tank level

Bottom and middle

Adult size

4.5 cm

Species description

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Southwest Pacific: Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Belongs to the family Blenniidae, genus Ecsenius. Features a slender, streamlined body typical of water column feeders.

Social Behavior: Active and highly active species. Lives primarily in hierarchical groups or small harems, swimming freely above coral formations.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Intense and brilliant coloration. Dominant males exhibit bright colors during courtship displays. Females present duller shades.

Care, breeding and tankmates

Aquarium Setup: Requires a marine aquarium of at least 60 liters with live rock arranged to create shelters while leaving ample space for swimming.

Diet and Feeding: Carnivorous. Provide high-quality frozen foods like mysis and brine shrimp along with vitamin-enriched marine pellets.

Water Quality: Excellent and stable water quality: temperature 22.0-27.0 °C, pH 8.1-8.4, and salinity stabilized at 1.020-1.025 with strong skimming.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: Reef safe. Compatible with peaceful reef fishes. Avoid housing with highly aggressive tankmates.

Aquarium Breeding: Pelagic spawning; captive reproduction is not documented in private aquariums.

Risks and Diseases: Primary risk is jumping out of the tank when startled. A tight lid or mesh cover is strictly required.

Fish profile

Temperament
Pacifico, vigile, staziona sulle rocce
Diet
Erbivoro, si nutre di microalghe e cibi vegetali in fiocchi
Tank level
Bottom and middle
Minimum group
1
Adult size
4.5 cm
Minimum tank volume
60 L
GH
n/a
KH
n/a
TDS
n/a
Conductivity
n/a
Sex ratio
Singolo
Feeding frequency
Giornaliera (continua brucatura)
Bioload
Low
Flow
Moderato
Jump risk
Covered tank required
Reproduction
Depone uova adesive sulle rocce; larve pelagiche difficili da allevare.
Compatibility & tankmates
Reef safe al 100%. Ideale per nano reef.

Ecological Estimates & Biological Models

Trophic level
2 ± 0 se
Resilience
High (less than 15 months)
Phylogenetic uniqueness (PD50)
0.5
Bayesian Length-Weight
a = 0.00776, b = 3
VulnerabilityLow vulnerability (10 / 100)

Image gallery

Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.

Related species

Other recommended species with similar care requirements and water parameters.

Last updated: 06/13/2026