Tailspot Blenny

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Western Central Pacific: Philippines, eastern Indonesia, and Palau. Inhabits sheltered lagoons and patch reefs rich in branching corals at depths of 1 to 15 meters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Member of the family Blenniidae. Features a scaleless body and highly mobile eyes situated atop the head. Reaches a maximum length of 6 cm.

Social Behavior: Peaceful and territorial only over its chosen rock shelter. Loves to rest inside empty shells or small holes in the live rock.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Brownish-orange or pinkish-brown body, characterized by a distinct black spot outlined in white on the caudal peduncle and blue/orange stripes below the eyes. Visual dimorphism is absent.

Aquarium Setup: Requires a tank of at least 60 liters (excellent for nano-reefs) with abundant mature live rock. A secure lid is essential as the species is a frequent jumper.

Diet and Feeding: Herbivorous. Grazes on diatoms and microalgae on rock surfaces. Supplement with spirulina-based foods, nori, and small herbivore pellets. Accepts finely minced frozen brine shrimp.

Water Quality: Keep water parameters stable. Temperature 22-28°C, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity SG 1.020-1.026. GH 15-25. Conduct regular water changes to maintain low nitrates.

Compatibility and Tankmates: 100% reef safe, compatible with both soft and hard corals. Peaceful with gobies and reef shrimp. Avoid housing with similarly shaped blennies in small systems.

Aquarium Reproduction: Extremely difficult due to the tiny size of the larvae. Spawns adhesive eggs guarded by the male inside shells or crevices.

Risks and Diseases: Starvation in newly set-up or sterile tanks lacking microalgae. Highly sensitive to copper treatments and skin abrasions from rough handling.