Ecsenius bicolor

Datasheet

General Description

The Bicolor blenny, scientifically known as Ecsenius bicolor, belongs to the Blenniidae family. This species is commonly found in the Indo-Pacific region, stretching from the Maldives to the Phoenix Islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands, and south to the southern Great Barrier Reef, with presence throughout Micronesia. Bicolor blennies are characterized by their oblong shape, long dorsal fin, and vibrant two-colored pattern.

Aquarium Suitability

Bicolor blennies are popular choices for aquarium enthusiasts, as they are generally easy to care for and adapt well to most aquarium environments. They thrive in tanks with good hiding spots, such as among live rocks, and should ideally be housed in a well-established aquarium with ample algae growth for grazing. These fish are suitable for most aquarium setups but are known to occasionally nip at clams, including Tridacna species, and have a tendency to jump out of open tanks.

Demands, Care, and Hardiness

With a hardy nature, Bicolor blennies are relatively low-maintenance fish that prefer a diet primarily based on algae. While they can also consume a variety of frozen foods, maintaining an algae-rich diet is crucial for their health and immune system. These fish have a fun and engaging personality, making them a favorite among aquarists. They are best kept as solitary individuals in the aquarium and may exhibit aggressive behavior towards similar species.

Reef Suitability

Bicolor blennies are often considered reef-safe and can be housed in a reef aquarium without causing harm to corals or other invertebrates. Their peaceful temperament makes them compatible with most reef inhabitants, adding vibrancy and activity to the underwater ecosystem.

Aquarium Setup

When setting up an aquarium for Bicolor blennies, it is essential to provide ample hiding places, such as crevices between live rocks, to mimic their natural habitat. Maintaining a well-established tank with sufficient algae growth for grazing is key to their well-being. Keeping the water parameters within the recommended range of pH 8.1-8.4, temperature between 22.2-25.6°C, and a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025 is crucial for their health and longevity.

Behaviour

These fish exhibit mostly peaceful behavior but may display territorial aggression towards similar species. Their captivating personality and active swimming patterns make them an entertaining addition to aquariums, often interacting with their environment and tank mates.

Feeding and Diet

Bicolor blennies thrive on a diet comprising microalgae such as spirulina, small crustaceans like krill and mysis, and zooplankton such as cyclops and pods. Supplementing their diet with a variety of nutritious foods ensures their overall health and vitality in the aquarium.

Habitat and Distribution

In their natural habitat, Bicolor blennies are commonly found in the East Indian Ocean, West Indian Ocean, Australia, Indonesia, and across the East Pacific and Central/West Pacific regions. Their distribution ranges from the subtropical waters of the Maldives to the diverse coral reefs of Micronesia, where they inhabit rocky crevices and coral formations, foraging for algae and small invertebrates.

Dimorphism

There is no specific information available regarding dimorphism or captive reproduction of Bicolor blennies.