Bicolor Blenny
From ReefPedia
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[edit] Bicolor BlennyScientific Name Ecsenius bicolor Max. Size: 3.9 inches Tank Size: 10 gallons Aggression: Not likely, unless with conspecifics Hardiness: Good Reef-Safe: Generally reef safe. May nip at some stony corals and pester clams Available as captive-bred: No |
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Physical Description
The front half of this fish is Bluish Brown, the rear yellow-orange to red. The fish will take on a mottled color when it attempts to camouflage itself, especially when it is stressed or nervous.
Distribution
Indo-Pacific
Taxonomic Stuff you know you Care About
- Family: Blennidae
- Genus: Ecsenius
- Species: bicolor
Behavior
Some blennies are very territorial and aggressive to any other fish. Since it spends most of its time in hiding places you will need to provide rockwork or homes. While your Bicolor Blenny may hide at first, over time this fish will become more confident.
I'd Know That Kiss Anywhere
One charming behavior of many Blennies, including the Bicolor, is their tendency to feed on the diatoms or other algae that grows on the glass of the tank. When they do so, they leave behind trails of lip prints that look like they've kissed the glass.
Careful With Similarly-Colored Fish
The Bicolor Blenny has been known to attack other fish with a similar color pattern, such as the Royal Gramma.
Don't Bite the Hand...
As the Bicolor Blenny becomes less shy in the tank, it may become more territorial. Some will even bite the hand of the tank owner if it enters the aquarium. While not painful (imagine a very mild pinch), it will give you a good jolt if you're not expecting it!
Feeding
Omnivore: Voracious eater of algae and prepared foods such as brine, mysis, shrimp, etc. Very good at mowing down any algae in the aquarium.
This fish will readily accept prepared foods after an adjustment period of a few days to a couple of weeks.
Breeding
Not known to breed in captivity.
Social Structure
Blennies are solitary.
Current Views
The Bicolor Blenny is an aquarium favorite, commonly found at your local fish store for this very reason. It is reasonably hardy, quite endearing, and can even make itself useful by eating algae. It's biggest shortcoming is that certain individuals will nip at corals. Sometimes actiually Diving in to the clams exit opening, and grabbing a bite from the inside.
Additional Notes
- May jump when frightened or stressed. Keep tank well covered.
- Takes on a camouflage, mottled bluish-white look when under stress. Keep an eye on it but don't panic. Especially if your Bicolor has recently been introduced to the tank.
- Known to fight with Royal Grammas
