Bicolor Blenny - Ecsenius bicolor

The Bicolor Blenny (Ecsenius bicolor) is a colorful and active marine fish that adds personality and vibrancy to reef aquariums. Known for its striking coloration and playful behavior, this species is a popular choice among marine enthusiasts who are looking for a hardy and attractive blenny.

Description:

• Common Name: Bicolor Blenny, Two-Tone Blenny

• Scientific Name: Ecsenius bicolor

• Family: Blenniidae

• Size: Typically grows up to 3 inches (8 cm) in length.

• Coloration: The Bicolor Blenny is named for its distinctive coloration. It features a vibrant yellow-orange body transitioning to a darker blue-black color on the front half. 

• Lifespan: With proper care, the Bicolor Blenny can live up to 5-7 years in a well-maintained aquarium.

Native Region:

The Bicolor Blenny is native to the Indo-Pacific region, including locations like the Philippines, Indonesia, and Hawaii. It inhabits rocky areas and coral reefs, where it hides in crevices and grazes on algae.

Aquarium Setup:

• Tank Size: A minimum of 30 gallons (114 liters) is recommended for the Bicolor Blenny. It is an active species that enjoys exploring its surroundings, so larger aquariums with plenty of hiding spots are ideal.

• Substrate: Sand or small gravel is suitable, as it allows the blenny to burrow and find shelter. It also offers a natural look to the aquarium.

• Live Rock: This species enjoys perching on live rock and using it for hiding. Providing abundant live rock with caves and crevices will help reduce stress and encourage natural behavior.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)

• pH: 8.1-8.4

• Salinity: 1.020-1.025 specific gravity

• Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH

• Nitrate: Below 10 ppm

• Phosphate: Below 0.03 ppm

Care Level:

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate. The Bicolor Blenny is a hardy fish that can adapt to most aquarium conditions as long as the water parameters are stable. It does best in well-established tanks with plenty of rockwork.

• Diet: The Bicolor Blenny is primarily herbivorous, feeding on algae. It will graze on algae growing on rocks, live rock, and the aquarium substrate. Supplement its diet with high-quality algae-based foods, such as Nori and spirulina flakes, as well as occasional blanched vegetables like spinach or zucchini.

• Behavior: The Bicolor Blenny is generally peaceful and territorial. It tends to keep to itself and will often perch on rocks, surveying its environment. While it may become territorial, especially toward other blennies or similarly shaped species, it is usually peaceful with other community fish.

• Activity Level: Moderate. The Bicolor Blenny is an active swimmer and enjoys exploring the tank, particularly in areas with rocks and crevices. It is often seen darting between hiding spots or grazing on algae.

Reef Compatibility:

• Reef-Safe: Yes, the Bicolor Blenny is considered reef-safe. It will not harm corals or invertebrates but may occasionally nibble on soft corals or ornamental algae.

• Tank Mates: Suitable for peaceful community tanks with other non-aggressive fish, especially those that are not similar in shape to other blennies. It can coexist with other peaceful species like clownfish, gobies, and wrasses. Avoid keeping it with other blennies or aggressive species that might compete for territory.

• Avoid: It can become territorial, especially with other blennies or fish that resemble it. Aggressive fish may also cause stress to the Bicolor Blenny.

Tank Maintenance:

• Feeding: The Bicolor Blenny primarily feeds on algae, so ensuring a healthy supply of algae in the tank is essential. Supplement its diet with high-quality algae flakes, spirulina, and other plant-based foods. Occasional blanched vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or lettuce can provide variety.

• Water Quality: Regular water changes and a reliable filtration system are important for maintaining optimal water conditions. Like most marine fish, the Bicolor Blenny thrives in stable water parameters with low levels of nitrates and phosphates.

Additional Tips:

• Acclimation: As with all marine fish, proper acclimation is essential to avoid stress. Drip acclimation or gradual water mixing is recommended when introducing the Bicolor Blenny to a new tank.

• Tankmates: Although generally peaceful, the Bicolor Blenny can become territorial toward other blennies or fish that resemble it. Make sure to provide plenty of hiding spots and caves to help establish territories.

• Swimming Space: While it is not a fast swimmer, the Bicolor Blenny enjoys exploring and should be provided with plenty of rockwork to graze on and perch.