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Yellow-eyed Combtooth Blenny

Ecsenius melarchus

A marine fish species of the family Blenniidae, valued by aquarists for its interesting behavior and beautiful coloration.

Family
Blenniidae
Origin
Oceano Pacifico centro-occidentale, comune in Indonesia, Filippine e Papua Nuova Guinea.
Origin
Tropical oceans and reefsAfrica and MadagascarSouth and Southeast AsiaAustralia, New Guinea, and Oceania
Tank use
Used in 0 tanks

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Species challenges
Water Temperature

23 °C - 27 °C

pH Value

8.1 - 8.4

Water type

Marine

Tank level

Bottom

Adult size

6 cm

Species description

Geographical Origin and Habitat: West-central Pacific Ocean, common in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Papua New Guinea. Typically found in shallow waters and reef areas rich in hiding places.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Belongs to the family Blenniidae. Characterized by a body structure adapted to its active lifestyle, showing bright coloration. Size up to 6.0 cm.

Social Behavior: Active species with a peaceful temperament. Shows moderate to high territorial habits depending on sex and population density.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Males and females display visible differences in color pattern and vibrancy, especially during the courtship phase.

Care, breeding and tankmates

Aquarium Setup: Requires a marine tank of at least 15 gallons (approx. 60.0 liters), decorated with live rocks to provide natural shelter. For sand-dwelling wrasses, a fine sand bed of at least 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) is essential.

Diet and Feeding: Herbivorous. Feeds exclusively on benthic microalgae and short filamentous algae scraped from substrate. It is recommended to feed the fish two or three times daily in small portions.

Water Quality: Stable parameters: temperature 23.0-27.0°C, pH 8.1-8.4, SG stable between 1.020 and 1.025. Monitored nitrates and phosphates.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: Compatible with reef fish. Avoid housing with larger predators or highly aggressive tankmates.

Aquarium Breeding: Oviparous. Male guards the eggs deposited in underwater nests. Larvae are planktonic and very difficult to raise.

Risks and Diseases: Sensitive to transport stress and high jump risk; requires a tightly fitted aquarium lid.

Fish profile

Temperament
Peaceful
Diet
Herbivorous. Feeds exclusively on benthic microalgae and short filamentous algae scraped from substrate.
Tank level
Bottom
Minimum group
1
Adult size
6 cm
Minimum tank volume
60 L
GH
n/a
KH
n/a
TDS
n/a
Conductivity
n/a
Sex ratio
Singolo
Feeding frequency
Giornaliera
Bioload
Low
Flow
Medium
Jump risk
Covered tank required
Reproduction
Ovíparo. Il maschio custodisce le uova deposte in nidi subacquei. Le larve sono planctoniche e molto difficili da allevare.
Compatibility & tankmates
Reef-safe al 100%. Eccellente compagno per pesci tranquilli come ghiozzi e pesci ago.

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