Lubbock's combtooth blenny

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Ecsenius lubbocki is native to the tropical coral reefs of the Western Central Pacific Ocean, with key populations found in the waters of Indonesia and the Philippines. It inhabits shallow coastal reefs, sheltered lagoons, and areas rich in coral rubble, usually at depths ranging from 1 to 15 meters. It lives in close association with live rock and soft coral colonies, sheltering in tiny holes and crevices.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Belonging to the family Blenniidae and the genus Ecsenius. Like most blennies, it features an elongated, cylindrical, scaleless body covered in a protective mucus layer. The head is rounded with large, mobile eyes set high and small supraorbital tentacles. It has a subterminal mouth with flexible, comb-like teeth ideal for scraping algae. Adults reach a maximum length of 4 to 5 centimeters.

Social Behavior: A very active and charming fish, characterized by a hopping swimming style and the habit of perching on rocks while lifting its head. It is peaceful toward other aquarium species but can display territorial behavior toward conspecifics or similar blennies if space is limited. It is active during the day and retreats into its burrow at night.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: The coloration is attractive: a brownish-yellow or greenish body, decorated with a series of white or yellow longitudinal lines running along the flanks. The eyes often feature colored irises. There is no obvious sexual dimorphism, although mature males may display slightly longer dorsal fins during the breeding season.

Aquarium Setup: Requires an aquarium of at least 75-80 liters (approx. 20 gallons) with an abundance of live rock. The rockwork should feature small holes or cavities (such as abandoned worm tubes) that the fish uses as its primary retreat. Good lighting is important to promote the growth of microalgae on the rocks, which forms its main natural diet.

Diet and Feeding: An herbivore and detritivore that spends the day grazing on microalgae and organic film from the rocks. In captivity, it should be fed plant-based dry foods, dried seaweed (nori) sheets, spirulina wafers, and small frozen foods (such as cyclops and brine shrimp) offered occasionally. A good presence of natural algae in the tank is essential.

Water Quality: Demands stable parameters and well-filtered water. Keep temperature stable between 23°C and 27°C (73-81°F), pH at 8.1 to 8.4, specific gravity at 1.022 to 1.025, and KH at 8-11 dKH. Keep nitrates and phosphates low. Moderate water movement is recommended to maintain oxygenation.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: Entirely reef-safe and does not harm corals. Coexists peacefully with most small marine community fish such as clownfish, anthias, gobies, pipefish, and small wrasses. Avoid housing it with other territorial Ecsenius blennies in the same tank unless the enclosure is very large and offers many visual barriers.

Aquarium Breeding: Spawning in home aquariums is documented but challenging. They are cave-spawners, depositing adhesive eggs inside cavities (e.g., empty snail shells or small rock holes). The male entices the female to spawn in his cave and guards the nest, fanning the eggs until they hatch. Raising the pelagic larvae is difficult.

Risks and Diseases: Hardy species, but the main risk is starvation if introduced into sterile tanks lacking algae on the rockwork. It is also an excellent jumper; therefore, the aquarium must have a tight-fitting lid or mesh cover. It is susceptible to common skin parasites if subjected to high stress during acclimation.