Yelloweye Combtooth Blenny

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Restricted to the Central Pacific: from the Mariana, Marshall, and Caroline Islands to Samoa and Fiji. Inhabits shallow, coral-rich reefs and surge zones at depths of 1 to 15 meters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Member of the family Blenniidae. Grows to a diminutive size of only 5 cm. Features a slender, scaleless body with large eyes situated high on the head.

Social Behavior: Peaceful and shy. Spends its time perching on rockwork, quickly retreating into small holes if it detects sudden movements.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Light, semi-translucent body with longitudinal orange or reddish bands and bright lemon-yellow rings around the eyes. Visual dimorphism is absent.

Aquarium Setup: Ideal for mature nano-reefs of at least 80 liters. Provide plenty of live rock with tiny holes and cracks. A secure lid is mandatory to prevent jumps.

Diet and Feeding: Herbivorous grazer. Constantly searches rocks for diatoms and microalgae. Supplement with spirulina-based flakes and finely shredded seaweed sheets.

Water Quality: Keep water parameters stable. Temperature 23-27°C, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity SG 1.020-1.026. GH 15-25. Demands clean water with regular water changes.

Compatibility and Tankmates: 100% reef safe. A peaceful tankmate for small gobies or reef shrimp. Do not house with aggressive or predatory fish that might consume it.

Aquarium Reproduction: Undocumented in home aquariums. Spawns adhesive eggs guarded by the male within tiny rock crevices.

Risks and Diseases: Fast starvation in clean, sterile tanks lacking microalgae. Highly sensitive to heavy metals and sudden salinity drops.