Midas Blenny - Ecsenius midas

The Midas Blenny (Ecsenius midas) is a stunning and hardy fish known for its vibrant coloration and unique behavior. It is a popular species among marine aquarium enthusiasts, particularly those with reef setups, due to its striking appearance and relatively easy care requirements.

Description:

• Common Name: Midas Blenny, Golden Blenny

• Scientific Name: Ecsenius midas

• Family: Blenniidae

• Size: Typically grows to about 4-5 inches (10-13 cm) in length.

• Coloration: The Midas Blenny is known for its vibrant yellow body, which can range from golden to bright yellow, with a slight gradient of darker shades near the tail. It has a slightly elongated body with a prominent head and characteristic facial markings.

• Lifespan: With proper care, the Midas Blenny can live for several years, often reaching up to 5-7 years in an aquarium.

Native Region:

The Midas Blenny is native to the Indo-Pacific region, particularly around areas like the Philippines, Indonesia, and the Great Barrier Reef. It inhabits shallow coastal waters, often found in reef environments where it can hide in crevices and rocks.

Aquarium Setup:

• Tank Size: A minimum of 30 gallons (114 liters) is recommended for the Midas Blenny to provide enough space for movement and territory. Larger tanks are ideal for multiple species or more extensive aquascaping.

• Substrate: Sand or fine gravel is suitable for the Midas Blenny. It enjoys digging and often creates small burrows or hides in crevices in the rockwork.

• Live Rock: Live rock is important for providing hiding spaces and grazing areas. The Midas Blenny will spend time exploring the live rock, foraging for food.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 74-80°F (23-27°C)

• pH: 8.1-8.4

• Salinity: 1.020-1.025 specific gravity

• Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH

• Calcium: 400-450 ppm

• Nitrate: Should be kept as low as possible to maintain water quality, under 10 ppm.

• Phosphate: Should be kept under 0.03 ppm for optimal health and to prevent excessive algae growth.

Care Level:

• Difficulty: Moderate. The Midas Blenny is relatively hardy but does best in well-established tanks with stable water conditions. It can be sensitive to poor water quality and sudden changes in environment.

• Diet: The Midas Blenny is primarily herbivorous but will also consume small invertebrates and algae. In a well-established tank with live rock, it will graze on algae and microorganisms. It may also benefit from supplemental feeding with algae-based foods or high-quality pellets and flakes.

• Behavior: The Midas Blenny is a peaceful and somewhat shy fish. It tends to stay near rockwork and will often hover near crevices, where it feels safe. It is not aggressive but can be territorial, especially in smaller tanks or when sharing space with other blennies or similar fish.

• Activity Level: Active, but relatively slow-moving compared to some other species. It enjoys foraging and will often dart in and out of crevices in search of food.

Reef Compatibility:

• Reef-Safe: Yes, the Midas Blenny is generally considered reef-safe. It will not damage corals or other invertebrates, but it may nibble on algae, including algae growing on live rocks and corals. It is non-aggressive towards most tankmates.

• Tank Mates: Compatible with most peaceful fish, including gobies, clownfish, and other small to medium-sized reef inhabitants. Avoid aggressive species that might threaten the Midas Blenny’s peaceful nature.

• Avoid: It may be territorial with other blennies or similar species, so it is best to avoid keeping multiple blennies in small tanks. Aggressive species or larger predators may harass or outcompete the Midas Blenny.

Tank Maintenance:

• Feeding: While the Midas Blenny will graze on algae in the tank, it will benefit from supplemental feeding with algae-based foods, spirulina, and high-quality flakes or pellets. Occasional protein-rich foods such as mysis shrimp or brine shrimp can also be offered.

• Water Quality: Regular water changes and proper filtration are essential to maintain the Midas Blenny’s health. Keeping nitrate and phosphate levels low will help prevent algae overgrowth, which could compete with the Blenny’s food source.

Additional Tips:

• Acclimation: As with all new fish, proper acclimation is crucial. Drip acclimation is recommended to avoid shocking the fish to sudden changes in water parameters.

• Tankmates: While peaceful, the Midas Blenny will defend its territory. Make sure there is enough space and hiding places to allow multiple species to coexist harmoniously.