Pictus Blenny (Ecsenius Pictus)

The Pictus Blenny, also known as the Painted Blenny, is a small, peaceful reef-safe fish with a unique mottled pattern and vibrant coloration. This species is known for its charming personality and its functional role as an algae grazer. Its striking appearance and active behavior make it an excellent choice for nano and mid-sized reef tanks.

Care Information

• Maximum Size: Up to 3 inches.
• Tank Size: 20 gallons minimum; requires live rock for grazing and shelter.
• Diet: Herbivorous; thrives on a diet of marine algae, spirulina, and algae-based pellets or flakes. It may also accept frozen foods such as mysis shrimp but requires a strong focus on vegetable matter for optimal health.
• Water Temp: 72-78°F.
• Salinity: 1.020-1.025.
• Aggression: Peaceful; may display mild territorial behavior toward other blennies in smaller tanks.
• Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate; hardy and easy to care for.
• Reef Compatibility: Reef-safe; does not harm corals or invertebrates and helps control algae growth.

Special Features - Mottled Coloration and Algae Grazing
The Pictus Blenny is adorned with a mottled pattern of brown, tan, and subtle green hues, providing excellent camouflage in its natural environment. It actively grazes on algae, contributing to a cleaner and healthier aquarium ecosystem.

Compatibility
This blenny is peaceful and thrives in community tanks with other non-aggressive species. Avoid housing it with highly aggressive or territorial fish that may harass it. Provide plenty of rockwork and hiding spots to reduce stress.

Coloration

• Indo-Pacific Region: The Pictus Blenny showcases a mottled body pattern that blends shades of brown and tan with hints of green. Its understated beauty and lively demeanor make it a favorite among aquarists.

Typical Habitat

• Distribution: Found in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in reef zones with abundant live rock where it grazes on algae.
• Tank Setup: Requires a stable environment with live rock for grazing and ample hiding spots.

Special Considerations

• Dietary Needs: As an herbivore, the Pictus Blenny requires a diet rich in algae. Supplement its diet with spirulina or algae-based foods to maintain its health and coloration.
• Behavior: This species may display territorial behavior toward other blennies or fish with a similar body shape, especially in smaller tanks.
• Algae Control: Its grazing behavior makes it an excellent choice for controlling nuisance algae in reef tanks.