Tail-spot Combtooth Blenny
Ecsenius stigmatura
Also known as: Tail-spot Blenny
A tiny, perch-loving reef blenny with a bold spot and big personality.
About
The tail-spot combtooth blenny (Ecsenius stigmatura) is a small but characterful fish from the reef flats and coastal lagoons of the Philippines and Indonesia, where it turns up anywhere from a couple of meters down to about 30 meters. In the wild it tends to live alone or in loose aggregations among sheltered coral structures, and that same personality carries into aquarium life. You'll often find it wedged into a favorite crevice or perched on a rock ledge, head raised, watching everything going on around it. That habit of claiming a lookout spot and holding it makes the tail-spot blenny genuinely fun to observe in a way that free-swimming fish rarely are. Its most recognizable feature is the dark spot at the base of the tail, which gives the species its common name and makes it easy to identify at a glance. This is a peaceful species that won't cause trouble for tankmates, though like most blennies it can be defensive about its chosen territory with other bottom-hugging fish of similar shape. As a herbivore it grazes on microalgae, so a tank with established live rock suits it well. At under two and a half inches fully grown, it's one of the better options for a smaller reef setup, and its tolerant nature makes it a reasonable choice for hobbyists still building their saltwater experience.
Similar species
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From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the Tail-spot Combtooth Blenny get?
- The Tail-spot Combtooth Blenny reaches about 1.5–2.5" as an adult.
- What size tank does the Tail-spot Combtooth Blenny need?
- A minimum of 10 gallons is recommended for the Tail-spot Combtooth Blenny.
- What water parameters does the Tail-spot Combtooth Blenny need?
- The Tail-spot Combtooth Blenny does best with a temperature of 72–82°F, a pH of 8–8.4.
- Is the Tail-spot Combtooth Blenny aggressive?
- The Tail-spot Combtooth Blenny is semi-aggressive. It can work in a community with careful tankmate choices and enough space.
- What does the Tail-spot Combtooth Blenny eat?
- The Tail-spot Combtooth Blenny is a herbivore. It needs a plant-based diet such as algae, blanched vegetables, or spirulina-based foods.
- How long does the Tail-spot Combtooth Blenny live?
- With good care, the Tail-spot Combtooth Blenny typically lives 2-5 years.
- Is the Tail-spot Combtooth Blenny reef safe?
- The Tail-spot Combtooth Blenny is generally considered reef safe.