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Tailspot Blenny

By The Aquarium Calculators Editorial Team ·

Ecsenius stigmatura

Complete Tailspot Blenny care guide covering herbivore diet requirements, peaceful temperament, minimum 20 Gallons tank setup, and compatible saltwater tankmates. Difficulty: Easy.

Tailspot Blenny

Quick Answer

Tailspot Blenny (Ecsenius stigmatura) is a small, colorful blenny with a distinctive dark spot at the base of its tail. It requires a minimum 20 Gallons aquarium with a pH of 8.1 - 8.4 and temperature range of 24-26°C. This herbivore occupies the bottom zone and makes an excellent addition to community setups.

Intro

Tailspot Blenny (Ecsenius stigmatura) is a small, colorful blenny with a distinctive dark spot at the base of its tail. It is an active algae grazer.

Setup

A 20-gallon or larger reef tank with live rock for grazing and hiding. Moderate water flow. Provide algae growth.

Feeding

Herbivorous; grazes on microalgae. Supplement with nori sheets, spirulina flakes, and vegetable-based pellets.

Compatibility

Peaceful but may be territorial with similar blennies. Keep one per tank. Good with most reef-safe fish. Avoid aggressive tankmates that may outcompete for food.

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Tank Position
Bottom
Water Temp
24-26°C
Adult Size
See profile
Water pH
8.1 - 8.4

Species Characteristics

Adult Size
Lifespan
Growth Rate
moderate
Tank Compatibility
Community compatible
Indoor Aquarium
Yes

Water Parameters

Water Temperature
Humidity
Water pH

Tank Lighting

Tank Lighting
Standard lighting
Light Hours
N/A
Intensity
moderate

Feeding & Diet

Diet Type
Diet: Herbivore
Feeding Schedule
N/A
Live Food Options
N/A

Continue Learning

Recommended Tools

Fish Compatibility Calculator fish compatibility

Health & Disease

Ich (White Spot Disease) common disease • all fish

Related Guides

Understanding pH in Aquariums water parameters • ph

Similar Species

Banggai Cardinalfish Care Guide: Tank Size & Diet semanticSimilarity Blue Green Chromis Care Guide: Reef Tank & Diet semanticSimilarity Coral Banded Shrimp Care Guide: Water Params & Breeding semanticSimilarity

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Tailspot Blennies should be kept together?
Keep only one per aquarium, even in tanks over 50 gallons (189 liters). Tailspot blennies (Ecsenius stigmatura) are delightful, small marine blennies that fit well into nano reefs but will defend their preferred rock holes from conspecifics. A single adult requires a minimum of 15 gallons (57 liters) with a footprint of 20x10 inches (50x25 cm) and ample live rock (1.5 lbs/gallon). Provide at least 5 perching spots (branching rock, barnacle shells). Avoid with other blenny species (Midas, bicolor, lawnmower).
What are the exact marine water parameters for Tailspot Blennies?
Target pH 8.1 - 8.4, specific gravity 1.023 - 1.025 (35-35.5 ppt), General Hardness 7 - 12 dGH, Carbonate Hardness 8 - 12 dKH, Total Dissolved Solids 32,000 - 35,000 ppm, and temperature 72°F - 78°F (22°C - 26°C). Provide plenty of live rock crevices where they can perch and hide when startled. Maintain nitrates below 10 ppm with weekly 20% water changes. Use a protein skimmer and moderate water flow (10x turnover). Stable salinity is critical; fluctuations >0.002 cause stress. Live rock with algae growth is mandatory.
What is the dietary and medication protocol for Tailspot Blennies?
They are primarily herbivores requiring 70% marine algae, 20% biofilm, 10% protein. Feed dried nori strips (pinned to clip), herbivore flakes, algae wafers, and frozen mysis shrimp blends daily. They graze on microalgae and film. Supplement with spirulina pellets. Medication alert: Tolerate copper (0.15 mg/L Cupramine) but sensitive to hyposalinity below 1.018. Praziquantel is safe. Quarantine with chloroquine phosphate (15 mg/L) for 14 days. Avoid formalin.
How to breed Tailspot Blennies in captivity?
Breeding is rare. Condition a bonded pair in a 30+ gallon reef tank with abundant algae for 4 weeks. They are substrate spawners; the male clears a cave crevice. Spawning occurs inside the crevice; female lays 100-300 adhesive eggs. Male guards and fans eggs for 5-7 days at 75°F (24°C). Eggs hatch; larvae are pelagic and require rotifers and phytoplankton for 30-40 days. Not recommended for home aquariums.

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