Midas Blenny - Africa (Ecsenius midas)

The African Midas Blenny is a vibrant and charismatic fish known for its golden-yellow coloration, elongated body, and captivating swimming style. It is a favorite among marine aquarists for its peaceful nature, reef compatibility, and unique appearance. The Midas Blenny often swims in a manner that resembles an eel, adding both beauty and character to any aquarium.

Care Information

• Maximum Size: Up to 5 inches.
• Tank Size: 30 gallons minimum, with ample rockwork for hiding and perching.
• Diet: Omnivorous; feeds on a variety of foods including algae, high-quality marine pellets, flakes, and frozen foods like mysis shrimp. It may graze on algae growing in the tank.
• Water Temp: 72-78°F.
• Salinity: 1.020-1.025.
• Aggression: Peaceful; generally does well with other tank mates but may be territorial towards other blennies in smaller tanks.
• Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate; easy to care for and suitable for most marine aquarium setups.
• Reef Compatibility: Reef-safe; does not harm corals or invertebrates, making it a great addition to reef aquariums.

Color Variation by Locality

• Western Indian Ocean (African Coast): Specimens from this region are known for their brilliant golden-yellow coloration, often with a subtle hint of blue around the eyes and fins.
• Red Sea: Individuals from the Red Sea may show slight variations in color intensity, with a deeper gold hue and sometimes more pronounced blue highlights​.

Typical Habitat

• Distribution: The Midas Blenny is native to the western Indian Ocean, particularly around the coastlines of Africa, the Red Sea, and the Maldives. It is commonly found in shallow coral reefs where it perches on rocks and occasionally hovers in the water column searching for food​.