🟠 Tailspot Blenny (Ecsenius stigmatura)

The Tailspot Blenny is a tiny, personable algae-eater perfect for nano and small reef aquariums. Named for the distinctive dark spot at the base of its tail, this small blenny has huge personality and provides valuable algae control in tight spaces where larger fish can't go.

📋 Quick Facts

✅ Perfect for Nano Tanks

• Tiny size - One of the smallest marine fish
• Algae eater - Helps control film algae
• Low bioload - Minimal impact on water quality
• Big personality - Entertaining despite small size
• Reef safe - Won't bother corals

🏠 Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: 10 gallons minimum
• Aquascape: Rockwork with perching spots
• Algae: Benefits from natural film algae growth
• Perches: Loves to sit on rocks and watch

Water Parameters

🍽️ Diet & Feeding

Primarily herbivorous, feeding on film algae and accepting prepared foods.

Primary Diet

• Film algae - Natural grazing
• Spirulina foods - Flakes and small pellets
• Nori - Small pieces

Supplementary

• Small pellets
• Frozen foods - Finely chopped
• Mysis (small pieces)

Feeding Notes

• Feed 2 times daily
• Will graze constantly between feedings
• Make sure food is small enough

🐟 Compatibility

Excellent Tankmates

• Clownfish (small species)
• Gobies
• Firefish
• Small wrasses
• Peaceful nano fish

Use Caution

• Other blennies - May squabble
• Aggressive fish - Too small to defend itself
• Large fish - May be seen as food

😊 Personality

• Perches on rocks watching the world
• Curious about tank activity
• Hops between favorite spots
• May "smile" at you (characteristic blenny expression)

💡 Tips for Success

• Perfect for nano reef tanks
• Provide elevated perching spots
• One per tank unless very large
• Great algae control for small tanks
• Don't keep with aggressive tankmates

📚 Summary

The Tailspot Blenny is ideal for nano reef keepers wanting an algae-grazing fish with personality. Its tiny size, peaceful nature, and constant grazing make it perfect for tanks as small as 10 gallons. While short-lived compared to larger fish, it provides entertainment and function in spaces too small for other algae-eating species.