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Collette's Blenny

Ecsenius collettei

A small marine blenny with a striped body, highly active in removing algal biofilm.

Family
Blenniidae
Origin
Oceano Pacifico occidentale: Papua Nuova Guinea, in scogliere poco profonde.
Origin
Tropical oceans and reefsAfrica and MadagascarAustralia, 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

5 cm

Species description

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Western Pacific Ocean: Papua New Guinea, in shallow protected reefs.

Taxonomy and Morphology: A member of the Blenniidae family, it features a slender, laterally compressed body design. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 5.0 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, trascorre il tempo saltellando da una roccia all'altra.
Diet
Erbivoro. Si nutre di alghe bentoniche. Integrare con mangimi a base vegetale.
Tank level
Bottom
Minimum group
1
Adult size
5 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
Oviparo. Depone uova adesive nei fori rocciosi. Difficile lo svezzamento.
Compatibility & tankmates
Reef-safe al 100%. Sicuro con coralli e piccoli invertebrati ornamentali.

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