Midas blenny

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Indo-Pacific (Red Sea to the Marquesas Islands). Inhabits rich coral reefs and shallow reefs kissed by currents, finding refuge in tiny holes.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Midas Blenny (Ecsenius midas). Extremely popular marine blenny (Blenniidae). It differs from its algae-grazing congeners because it has developed a mouth capable of catching zooplankton and has an "eel-like" swimming style.

Social Behavior: Incredibly curious, lively but tolerant. Spends its time "hovering" (floating mid-tank with undulating tail strokes) and instantly backs into a den (always with its head facing outwards) if frightened.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Breathtaking deep gold or golden-peach livery (hence the name "King Midas") when healthy, with a hint of blue under the chin or eye. Becomes mottled or dark if highly stressed or scared. No visible sexual dimorphism.

Aquarium Setup: Marine Tank (Reef). Essential to have abundant live rock rich in finger-sized holes (barnacles or empty tubes) where it will spend the nights and make its base. Stable salinity and aquarium strictly provided with an anti-jump net!

Diet and Feeding: In nature it is an omnivore/planktivore. Often ignores algae on the rocks (unlike the bicolor blenny) but hunts zooplankton. Feed with mysis, brine shrimp, fish eggs and flake or pellet preparations.

Water Quality: Robust if the water is of excellent quality. Sensitive to high ammonia levels and temperature fluctuations.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Superb Reef fish (100% Reef Safe). Cohabits wonderfully with clownfish, placid damselfish and tangs. Avoid housing other blennies of the same genus, as it will kill them fighting for the best den.

Aquarium Reproduction: Females lay adhesive demersal eggs inside holes/shells, then fertilized by the male. Rare and difficult to conclude successfully due to the pelagic larval stage that dies in the skimmers.

Risks and Diseases: Olympic champion of jumping out of the tank. Susceptible to initial wasting (hides and does not eat) if it is bullied by surgeonfish or large wrasses at the time of introduction.