Midas Blenny

• ExerciseHigh

  A busy, energetic swimmer — keep plenty of open swimming room.

• GroomingRoutine tank care

  Weekly partial water changes keep them in top shape.

• Living spaceNano-tank friendly

  Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Owner experienceSome experience helps

  A little know-how makes life smoother.

• Commitment4–8 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Ich (white spot) · Fin rot · Parasites

The Midas Blenny (Ecsenius midas) is found from the Red Sea and East Africa across the Indo-Pacific, growing to about 10 to 13 cm. Unusually for a blenny it swims freely in the water column with an undulating, eel-like motion, and it can shift its body colour between gold, olive and blue-grey depending on mood and surroundings. In the wild it joins schools of anthias and feeds alongside them. Keep it in a 150 litre or larger reef tank with plenty of small rock holes to claim as a home, at 24-27C, salinity 1.024-1.026, pH 8.1-8.4. Unlike most blennies it is more omnivorous than herbivorous, so feed mysis, enriched brine and quality pellets along with some algae-based food. It is reef safe and generally peaceful, with the honest caveat that it can be territorial toward other blennies and similarly shaped fish, so keep just one. It is a hardy, characterful and easy fish, well suited to a keeper's first larger reef.

• How active is a Midas Blenny?

  High. A busy, energetic swimmer — keep plenty of open swimming room.

• How much maintenance does a Midas Blenny need?

  Routine tank care. Weekly partial water changes keep them in top shape.

• What tank size does a Midas Blenny need?

  Nano-tank friendly. Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Is a Midas Blenny a good fit for first-time owners?

  Some experience helps. A little know-how makes life smoother.

• How long do Midas Blenny live?

  4–8 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Midas Blenny?

  Keep an eye out for Ich (white spot), Fin rot, Parasites. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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