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Australian Blenny

Ecsenius australianus

A charming detritivorous blenny that loves to perch on rocks and graze on algae.

Family
Blenniidae
Origin
Oceano Pacifico sud-occidentale: Grande Barriera Corallina, Australia.
Origin
Tropical oceans and reefsExtra-Amazon South AmericaAustralia, New Guinea, and Oceania
Tank use
Used in 0 tanks

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Species challenges
Water Temperature

22 °C - 26 °C

pH Value

8.1 - 8.4

Water type

Marine

Tank level

Bottom

Adult size

6 cm

Species description

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Southwestern Pacific Ocean: Great Barrier Reef, Australia.

Taxonomy and Morphology: A member of the Blenniidae family, it features a slender, laterally compressed body design. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 6.0 cm.

Social Behavior: Shows a highly active and peaceful behavior. Dominant males may display minor intraspecific territoriality during breeding parading.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: The coloration is exceptionally vivid, characteristic of reef-dwelling wrasses. Sexual dimorphism is prominent, with males showing brighter colors.

Care, breeding and tankmates

Aquarium Setup: Requires a tank of at least 80.0 liters with plenty of live rock shelters. A tight-fitting lid is mandatory to prevent jumping out.

Diet and Feeding: Carnivore. Feed zooplankton, frozen foods like mysis and brine shrimp, alongside high-quality marine pellets.

Water Quality: Reef parameters with pH 8.1-8.4, gravity 1.023-1.025, and low nitrates are critical.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: Peaceful reef companion. Suitable for community tanks. Keep only one male per aquarium to avoid fighting.

Aquarium Breeding: Egg scatterer. Protogynous hermaphrodite. Spawning in private aquaria has not been documented successfully.

Risks and Diseases: High risk of jumping. Prone to skin damage if stressed by aggressive tankmates. Maintain stable water conditions.

Fish profile

Temperament
Pacifico, molto curioso, territoriale solo verso pesci simili di pari dimensioni.
Diet
Erbivoro/Detritivoro. Pascola su microalghe. Offrire spirulina, nori e congelato.
Tank level
Bottom
Minimum group
1
Adult size
6 cm
Minimum tank volume
80 L
GH
n/a
KH
n/a
TDS
n/a
Conductivity
n/a
Sex ratio
Singolo
Feeding frequency
2 volte al giorno
Bioload
Low
Flow
Moderato
Jump risk
Covered tank required
Reproduction
Deposizione su substrato duro. I maschi sorvegliano il nido nei fori delle rocce.
Compatibility & tankmates
Reef-safe al 100%. Ideale per nano reef e vasche di comunità pacifiche.

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