✨ Midas Blenny (Ecsenius midas)

The Midas Blenny is a stunning golden-yellow fish that defies typical blenny expectations. Unlike most blennies that perch on rocks, the Midas swims freely in the water column, often schooling with anthias. Its vibrant color, hardy nature, and unique personality make it a standout addition to reef aquariums.

📋 Quick Facts

✅ Special Characteristics

• Free swimmer - Unlike most blennies, swims in open water
• Schools with anthias - Will join mid-water swimming groups
• Color changing - Can shift from golden to blue/purple moods
• Personality plus - Very interactive with owners
• Hardy - Adapts well to aquarium life

🏠 Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: 30 gallons minimum
• Aquascape: Rockwork with holes for retreating
• Swimming room: Open water areas appreciated
• Bolt hole: Needs a "home" crevice to retreat to

Water Parameters

🍽️ Diet & Feeding

Omnivores that readily accept most aquarium foods.

Primary Foods

• Frozen mysis shrimp - Favorite food
• Frozen brine shrimp
• Quality pellets
• Marine flakes

Variety Foods

• Frozen preparations
• Spirulina foods
• Cyclops

Feeding Behavior

• Feed 2-3 times daily
• Will swim to surface aggressively for food
• Very food-motivated and easy to train
• May eat from your fingers once comfortable

🐟 Compatibility

Excellent Tankmates

• Anthias (will school with them)
• Clownfish
• Tangs
• Wrasses
• Gobies
• Most peaceful community fish

Use Caution

• Other Midas Blennies - May fight unless mated pair
• Similar-shaped blennies - Possible aggression
• Other elongated yellow fish - May see as competition

💛 Color Variations

• Golden yellow - Most common, relaxed color
• Blue/purple highlights - Can show when excited or stressed
• Regional variation - African specimens may differ slightly
• Mood-based - Colors can shift with mood

🏥 Health Considerations

• Generally very hardy
• Good disease resistance
• Standard quarantine recommended
• Rarely problematic once established

💡 Tips for Success

• Provide a "home" hole in the rockwork
• Enjoys swimming with other fish in open water
• Will become very personable with time
• Great fish for reef tanks of any size
• One per tank unless proven pair

📚 Summary

The Midas Blenny is a unique fish that combines blenny hardiness with free-swimming behavior usually seen in other fish families. Its stunning golden color, bold personality, and tendency to interact with keepers make it a favorite. Perfect for reef tanks where it will often join schools of anthias or swim prominently in the water column. Hardy and easy to feed, it's an excellent choice for beginners and experienced hobbyists alike.