Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Fish profile

Temperament

Peaceful but territorial

They are peaceful, somewhat shy at first, but highly observant fish. Once comfortable, they spend much of the day perched in the open, watching the tank's activities. Their expressive faces and erratic hopping movements make them a joy to observe.

Diet

Herbivore

This species is a dedicated herbivore that spends its days grazing on fine microalgae. To maintain its health, supply it with high-quality spirulina, nori sheets, and specialized herbivore pellets. A well-established tank with plenty of live rock is crucial to supplement its diet naturally.

Sex ratio

Solitary

It is strongly advised to keep a single Banda blenny per aquarium. Two males will almost certainly fight, potentially to the death, over prime rockwork territories. If a male and female pair are obtained, they will often share a territory peacefully.

Feeding frequency

Twice daily

They are constant grazers, so leaving a small piece of dried seaweed clipped in the tank daily is ideal. Direct feeding with herbivore preparations should be done once or twice a day. Ensure they receive enough plant matter to prevent them from slowly wasting away.

Bioload

The Banda blenny produces an exceptionally small bioload, making it perfect for smaller nano reef tanks. Its minimal waste production won't strain standard filtration systems. Routine weekly or bi-weekly water changes are perfectly sufficient to maintain water quality.

Flow

Moderate

They prefer a gentle to moderate water flow that mimics the sheltered reef environments they often occupy. Excessive flow may force them to stay hidden in the rockwork rather than venturing out to feed. Moderate currents will encourage healthy algae growth on the rocks without overwhelming the fish.

Jump risk

Yes

Like most members of the Ecsenius genus, they are startled easily and will jump to escape perceived threats. A snug-fitting lid or fine mesh canopy must be utilized at all times. Care should be taken during maintenance not to spook them unnecessarily.

Reproduction

Oviparous

They lay their eggs in tight crevices, which the male then rigorously defends and aerates. While spawning can occur in captive environments, raising the larvae is incredibly difficult. The fry require microscopic rotifers and greenwater immediately after hatching.

Compatibility & tankmates

Peaceful

It is an incredibly peaceful fish that completely ignores corals and sessile invertebrates. It gets along wonderfully with small gobies, peaceful wrasses, and clownfish. The only risk of aggression comes from housing them with other combative blenny species.

Tank level

Bottom

They are strictly bottom-dwellers that spend their time resting on rocks and corals. They hop along the substrate and rockwork, as they lack a swim bladder for sustained hovering. Ample hiding holes are necessary for them to feel secure and sleep.