Description
Scientific Name: Blenniella chrysospilos
Common Names: Red-Spotted Blenny, Orange-Spotted Blenny
Maximum Length: 5 inches (13 cm)
Minimum Aquarium Size: 30 gallons
Aquarium Suitability: Thrives in well-maintained marine aquariums with ample rockwork and hiding spots to support its territorial and perching behavior.
Foods & Feeding: Omnivorous; provide a varied diet of high-quality algae-based flakes, spirulina, frozen mysis shrimp, and enriched brine shrimp, offered 1-2 times daily. Grazes on natural algae growth in the tank.
Reef Safe: Yes; generally safe with corals and invertebrates, making it an excellent choice for reef aquariums.
Temperament: Semi-aggressive; territorial toward other blennies or similar bottom-dwelling fish. Best housed with peaceful to semi-aggressive tank mates like small gobies, clownfish, or damselfish.
Captive Care: Maintain stable water parameters: temperature 74-80°F, salinity 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4. Provide a tank with live rock, crevices, and algae-covered surfaces to encourage natural foraging and territorial behavior. Ensure a secure lid, as blennies are known to jump. Monitor for aggression in smaller tanks or with similar species.
Fun Facts:
- Vibrant Markings: The Red-Spotted Blenny’s orange-red spots on a greyish-green body add a subtle yet striking aesthetic to marine setups.
- Perch-and-Dart Behavior: Often seen perching on rocks or corals, darting out to feed or defend its territory, adding dynamic movement to the aquarium.
- Camouflage Experts: In the wild, their coloration blends seamlessly with algae-covered rocks, helping them evade predators.
