Line Spot Blenny (No Online Purchases)

Linespot Blenny

The Linespot Blenny, scientifically known as Ecsenius stigmatura, is a popular and engaging saltwater fish for home aquariums. Also commonly called the "tailspot blenny," it is known for its peaceful nature and amusing personality.

Key Characteristics
Appearance: The Linespot Blenny has a mottled brown, tan, and white body with a distinctive black spot at the base of its tail (caudal fin). It also has a unique pattern of thin, horizontal stripes of blue, orange, and white just below its eyes.

Size:They are a relatively small species, typically growing up to 3 inches (6-8 cm) in length.

Habitat: In the wild, they are found in the Indo-Pacific, specifically in coastal lagoons and sheltered coral reefs of the Philippines and Indonesia. They spend their time perching on rocks and are bottom-dwelling fish.

Temperament: Linespot blennies are generally peaceful and are great additions to a community tank. However, they can be territorial with other blennies or fish that have a similar body shape.

Aquarium Care
Tank Requirements:

Tank Size: A minimum tank size of 15-20 gallons is recommended for a single linespot blenny, with a larger tank being ideal.

Tank Setup:They appreciate an aquarium with plenty of live rock and crevices, which mimic their natural reef habitat and provide ample hiding spots. They also prefer a sand substrate and a relatively low water flow.

Lid: A tight-fitting lid is essential, as blennies are known to be jumpers.

Water Parameters:

Temperature: 75-82°F (24-27°C)

pH: 8.0-8.4

Salinity: 1.020-1.025 specific gravity

Diet:

Linespot blennies are omnivores but lean towards a herbivorous diet. They will graze on filamentous algae in the tank.

A varied diet is crucial. They should be fed a mix of:

Algae-based foods like spirulina flakes, pellets, and dried seaweed (nori).

Frozen or live foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and other small crustaceans.

Feeding should occur at least twice a day to ensure they get enough to eat, especially since they can be outcompeted by more aggressive fish. An underfed blenny may start to nip at corals or invertebrates.

Tank Mates:

Good Companions: They are compatible with many peaceful reef-safe fish, including clownfish, chromis, and gobies.

Incompatible Tank Mates:

Avoid keeping them with aggressive or large carnivorous species that might view them as food.

Do not house them with other blennies or fish of similar shape and size unless you have a very large tank or a confirmed mated pair, as they will fight over territory.

While they are generally considered reef-safe, some individuals have been known to occasionally nip at coral polyps or clam mantles.

General Care Tips
The linespot blenny is a hardy species and can be a good choice for beginner aquarists.

Like all marine fish, they require a fully cycled and stable aquarium environment.

Regular water changes and monitoring of water parameters are vital for their long-term health.

They are known for their inquisitive and entertaining personality, often perching on rocks and observing their surroundings.