Yellow-eye combtooth-blenny
Ecsenius ops
This endearing Indonesian marine blenny is recognized by its large yellow-ringed eyes and an active behavior that keeps it constantly exploring live rock for algae.
Température de l’eau
22 - 26 °C
Valeur du pH
8.1 - 8.4
Type d'eau
Marin
Niveau dans le bac
Fond
Taille adulte
5 cm
Volume minimal du bac
>= 80 L
Groupe minimal
>= 1
Description de l'espèce
Geographical Origin and Habitat: This species is native to the Central-Western Pacific, primarily found in the coastal coral reefs of Indonesia. It inhabits sheltered reefs, lagoons, and shallow zones rich in live rock and stony corals, generally at depths ranging from 1 to 15 meters.
Taxonomy and Morphology: Belongs to the family Blenniidae, genus Ecsenius. It is a small fish with a maximum length of about 5.5 cm. It features a slender elongated body, a rounded head with large prominent eyes, and a mouth equipped with numerous tiny comb-like teeth.
Social Behavior: A solitary and territorial species toward similar blennies. It spends the day perched on rocks or backed into small natural holes, from which only its head protrudes to monitor the territory. Displays curious behavior and independent eye movements.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Displays a brownish or olive-green base coloration on the back that fades into a pale or white belly. The eyes are highly characteristic, with the iris surrounded by a bright yellow ring and a small dark spot located right behind the orbit. Sexual dimorphism is minimal.
Soins, reproduction et cohabitation
Aquarium Setup: Requires an aquarium of at least 80-100 liters. It is essential to decorate the tank with plenty of live rock containing small natural holes and crevices, placed in well-lit areas to promote the growth of algae, which forms the core of its natural diet.
Diet and Feeding: An herbivorous species that feeds by scraping algae and biofilm from rocks. In captivity, feed high-quality vegetable-based foods, spirulina, nori algae sheets, and occasional small frozen crustaceans like brine shrimp or mysis to vary the diet.
Water Quality: Standard marine parameters are required: temperature 23 to 26 °C, pH 8.1-8.4, specific gravity 1.020-1.025. Efficient biological filtration and moderate water movement are recommended to keep the environment clean and well-oxygenated.
Compatibility and Cohabitation: Excellent addition to reef-safe aquariums. It lives peacefully with most reef fish. However, it may show territorial aggression toward other Ecsenius species or similarly colored bottom-dwellers. Avoid housing with large or predatory tankmates.
Aquarium Breeding: Oviparous. Adhesive eggs are deposited in crevices or empty shells and guarded by the male until they hatch. Rearing the pelagic larvae in captivity is highly challenging due to the need for microscopic live starter feeds.
Risks and Diseases: Very hardy and disease-resistant. The main risk is starvation in newly established, sterile tanks that lack natural algae growth. Additionally, a tight-fitting cover is highly recommended as this species is known to jump when startled.
Origine et répartition géographiques
This species is native to the Central-Western Pacific, primarily found in the coastal coral reefs of Indonesia. It inhabits sheltered reefs, lagoons, and shallow zones rich in live rock and stony corals, generally at depths ranging from 1 to 15 meters.
Origine
Océans tropicaux et récifsAsie du Sud et du Sud-Est
Profil de poisson
- Tempérament
- Semi-aggressive
- They possess a charming and comical personality, often observing their surroundings with curious expressions from their perches. While generally peaceful, they can show territorial behavior towards new additions that compete for bottom space or algae grazing areas. They are usually ignored by larger, more active swimming fish, making them a wonderful and entertaining addition to a community reef tank. Once established, they become quite bold and visible.
- Régime alimentaire
- Herbivore
- In the wild, they graze heavily on microalgae and detritus found on live rock. In the home aquarium, their diet should consist primarily of vegetable matter, including spirulina, marine algae, and specialized herbivore preparations. They will also eagerly accept meaty foods like mysis shrimp and brine shrimp, which should be offered as supplementary nutrition. Supplying an abundance of mature live rock is highly beneficial.
- Espérance de vie
- 3-5 years
- Taille adulte
- 5 cm
- Ratio des sexes
- Solitary
- While they can be kept singly without any issues, keeping a mated pair or a small harem (one male with multiple females) can be attempted in larger aquariums. Males are generally highly territorial towards other males, so keeping multiple males in the same tank is highly discouraged. Providing ample hiding spots and visual breaks can help manage any aggression within a harem setup. It is best to introduce females before or simultaneously with the male.
- Fréquence d'alimentation
- Twice daily
- To mimic their natural grazing behavior, it is recommended to feed them small amounts multiple times a day. Providing continuous access to algae-covered rocks or supplemental nori sheets will keep them actively foraging and healthy. Feeding them at least two to three times daily ensures they receive adequate nutrition and maintain their body weight. Without frequent feeding, they may begin to harass corals.
- Charge biologique
- Low
- The Ecsenius ops produces a relatively small amount of waste, contributing minimially to the overall bioload of the aquarium. Regular water changes and standard filtration are typically sufficient to handle their waste output. They do not put a heavy strain on the biological filtration systems, making them suitable for mature reef tanks. Their small adult size means they consume less food and thus excrete less.
- Courant
- Strong
- They thrive in areas with moderate to strong water flow that simulates the turbulent conditions of their natural reef environment. Good water movement helps keep the live rock free of detritus and promotes the growth of the microalgae they feed upon. The flow should not be so overpowering that it prevents them from swimming or resting comfortably in their favorite crevices. Intermittent wave action is particularly appreciated.
- Risque de saut
- Yes
- Like many blennies, this species is known to be a prolific jumper, especially when first introduced to a new environment or if chased by aggressive tank mates. A tightly fitting lid or a fine mesh screen cover is absolutely essential to prevent them from jumping out of the aquarium. Even small gaps around equipment can provide an escape route, so thorough securing of the tank top is necessary. Startled fish will dart upwards instinctively.
- Reproduction
- Oviparous
- Breeding in the home aquarium is rare but not impossible, as they are substrate spawners. The male will typically prepare a crevice or an empty shell to serve as a nest, where he will court a female to deposit her eggs. Once the eggs are laid and fertilized, the male will guard the nest fiercely until the larvae hatch and enter the pelagic stage. Rearing the fry requires specialized tiny live foods like rotifers.
- Compatibilité et compagnons
- Reef safe
- The Ecsenius ops is generally peaceful towards most other tank mates, particularly those occupying different ecological niches. They are considered reef safe and will not bother corals or most invertebrates, though they might occasionally nip at clam mantles or large-polyp stony corals if underfed. Caution is strongly advised when keeping them with other blennies or fish with similar body shapes to avoid territorial disputes. They mix well with free-swimming fish.
- Niveau dans le bac
- Bottom
- This species is primarily a benthic fish, spending the majority of its time perching on live rock and the substrate. They are rarely seen swimming freely in the middle or upper levels of the water column unless they are dashing out to grab food. They will choose a favorite rock crevice or hole to use as a safe retreat, observing the tank from this vantage point. Their modified pectoral fins allow them to prop themselves up easily.
Modèles et paramètres scientifiques
FishBase
Fenêtre sur les données scientifiques officielles de l’espèce
FishBase v25.04Données synchronisées le : 15/06/2026
- Niveau trophique
- 2 ± 0 se
- Résilience
- Élevée (moins de 15 mois)
- Singularité phylogénétique (PD50)
- 0.5
- Relation bayésienne longueur-poids
- a = 0.00776, b = 3
- VulnérabilitéVulnérabilité faible (10 / 100)
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