Blackspot Blenny

The Blackspot Blenny is a charming and compact combtooth blenny native to the Western Pacific, where it inhabits coral-rich reef slopes and lagoons. Its most distinctive feature is a prominent dark black spot located on the posterior portion of the body near the base of the tail, which contrasts sharply against its otherwise pale to light brown body. The face often shows subtle mottling and the characteristic large, expressive eyes that make Ecsenius blennies so endearing to aquarists.

In the wild, the Blackspot Blenny is a dedicated herbivore that spends its days methodically grazing on microalgae and diatoms growing on rock surfaces. It perches on coral rubble and live rock using its modified pelvic fins, darting between grazing spots with quick, energetic bursts. This constant algae-grazing behavior makes it a functional and beneficial addition to reef aquariums, where it helps control nuisance algae growth on rockwork and glass.

The Blackspot Blenny is an ideal reef fish for beginners due to its hardiness, peaceful disposition, and small size. It requires only a modest tank with established live rock that supports a healthy film of microalgae. While it will accept prepared foods, ensuring access to natural algae growth is important for long-term health. It is completely reef-safe and ignores corals and invertebrates entirely, focusing its attention solely on algae.