Lyretail Anthias (Pseudanthias squamipinnis)

Lyretail Anthias (Pseudanthias squamipinnis) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as the Scalefin Anthias, Squamipinnis Anthias, Sea Goldie, and Orange Fairy Basslet is found throughout Indo-Pacific waters, from the Red Sea to the East Coast of Africa all the way to the outer islands of Polynesia in the Central Pacific.

Lyretail Anthias are generally found in large schools or harems over rocky structure and areas with abundant coral along the outer reef slopes and shallow coastal lagoons of their range at depths from 30 to over 130 feet; usually foraging on zooplankton, fish eggs, small invertebrates, and crustaceans.

Lyretail Anthias are hermaphroditic and exhibit sexual dimorphism.

Lyretail Anthias (Pseudanthias squamipinnis)

Male Lyretail Anthias have a red, pinkish or peach colored body with a yellow gradient splotch in the center of the body, a prominent first spike on the dorsal fin and lyre shaped pectoral and caudal fins.

Female Lyretail Anthias tend to be more orange in color with bright yellow edging along their fins.

Males are larger and have more vibrant colors than females.  Slight color variations exist depending on geographic area of collection.

Lyretail Anthias (Pseudanthias squamipinnis)

Lyretail Anthias are a peaceful species that can be kept as a mated pair, in small schools of females, or in odd numbers of larger harems with a single dominant male and several females.    Avoid keeping two males in the same tank, as it can lead to extreme aggression.

A pair or single Pseudanthias squamipinnis can be housed in a mature reef or well established FOWLR aquarium of at least 100 gallon capacity with a coralline sandy substrate, an abundant amount of live rock arranged into caves, crevices, overhangs, and crevices for hiding, and plenty of free swimming space.

A powerhead or wavemaker is needed to provide the heavy water flow and proper oxygenation necessary to mimic their natural reef environment. An aquarium chiller should also be considered to maintain water temperatures at their recommended range, and because they are excellent jumpers; a tight fitting mesh lid or glass cover is essential to prevent them from jumping out of the tank.

Lyretail Anthias are reef safe and fully compatible with corals and invertebrates.

Although they can become aggressive towards conspecifics when kept in small groups in smaller aquariums; housing them in larger groups or as a single male with several females is recommended to mitigate aggression.   Sea Goldies thrive in large schools of five or more individuals (preferably one male and up to ten females), in a 150 gallon or larger tank.

Compatible tank mates include the Green Mandarin Dragonet (Synchiropus splendidus), Banggai Cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni), Flame Hawkfish (Neocirrhites armatus), gobies, blennies, jawfish, tangs, and wrasses.

Aquaculture efforts for the Lyretail Anthias are limited and although they will spawn in an aquarium environment, raising the larvae to adulthood is virtually impossible.

Spawning behavior is similar to the Dispar Anthias (Pseudanthias dispar).  In the wild, spawning typically occurs in the early morning hours around dawn.   The male will establish a territory where he performs a courting ritual that includes color displays, fin flicking, and synchronized swimming to attract females for spawning.   A single male will court and spawn with multiple females as they release their eggs into the water column and are fertilized by the male.

In the wild, Pseudanthias squamipinnis spawn in huge schools where the fertilized eggs are swept away by strong currents to become plankton.   In an aquarium environment, the floating eggs are usually sucked into the filtration system or eaten by other fish in the tank before they can be collected. The microscopic newly hatched larvae are nearly impossible to raise and require copepod nauplii that are challenging to culture.

In the wild, Lyretail Anthias constantly feed on zooplankton, fish eggs, small invertebrates, and crustaceans. In an aquarium environment with plenty of live rock, they should be fed a variety of meaty foods like finely chopped seafood, vitamin enriched frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, copepods, and amphipods 3 to 4 times a day.

Over time they will accept high quality flake foods or pellets but to keep them thriving, a refugium is recommended for cultivating a continuous food supply of nutritious live copepods and amphipods.

Lyretail Anthias (Pseudanthias squamipinnis) are available to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts from a number of online wholesalers, trans shippers, and retailers, as wild caught individuals usually by special order at approximate purchase sizes: Small: 1″ to 2″, Medium: 2″ to 3″, Large: 3″ to 4-1/2″.

Prices vary by size and area of collection but start around $69.99 for 2″ to 3″ African females to $99.99 for the same size Red Sea specimen.

Lyretail Anthias (Pseudanthias squamipinnis)

Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons
Aquarium Type: Reef or FOLR
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi Aggressive
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8 to 12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max size: 5″
Color Form: Orange, Red, Yellow
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: Reef
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Family: Serranidae
Lifespan: 5 – 7 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate/Advanced

Dispar Anthias (Pseudanthias dispar)

The Dispar Anthias (Pseudanthias dispar) known to tropical fish keeping enthiusiasts as the Redfin Anthias, Lyretail Anthias, Peach Anthias, Nemanthias Lyretail, or Madder Seaperch, is widely distributed throughout the tropical Indo Pacific.

Its range extends from the Red Sea and Christmas Island in the east Indian Ocean to the Line Islands, north to the Yaeyama Islands, and south to the Great Barrier Reef, Fiji, and Samoa.

The Dispar Anthias is a peaceful and quite social shallow reef species that is normally encountered in large schools or harems along the outer reef slopes, drop offs, and coral rich lagoons of their range grazing on drifting zooplankton and crustaceans at depths from 5 to over 50 feet.

Dispar Anthias (Pseudanthias dispar)

Pseudanthias dispar exhibit sexual dimorphism.   Male Dispar Anthias have a bright orange-purple red to pink body color with a distinct bright red dorsal fin and a yellowish or pale lower body that becomes more vibrant during courtship displays.

Female Dispar Anthias (Pseudanthias dispar)

Females are smaller and have a more subdued yellow to orange upper body color that fades into a pale lavender, magenta, or white underbelly.   Color variations exist depending on area of collection.

Dispar Anthias can be kept as a mated pair, as a small school of females, or in larger harems of a single male with several females in odd numbers.    Avoid keeping two males in the same tank, as it can lead to extreme aggression.

A pair or single Pseudanthias dispar is best housed in a mature reef or well established FOWLR aquarium of at least 80 gallon capacity with a coralline sandy substrate, plenty of live rock arranged into caves, crevices, overhangs, and crevices for hiding, and lots of free swimming space.

A powerhead or wavemaker is required to ensure the heavy water flow and proper oxygenation necessary to mimic their natural reef environment.   An aquarium chiller should also be considered to maintain water temperatures in their recommended range, and because they are excellent jumpers; a tight fitting mesh lid or glass cover is essential to prevent them from jumping out of the tank.

Dispar Anthias are reef safe and fully compatible with corals and invertebrates. They can be kept singly, as a mated pair, or in small groups of females. Although they can become aggressive towards conspecifics when kept in small groups in smaller aquariums; housing them in larger groups or as a single male with several females is recommended to mitigate aggression. Dispar Anthias thrive in large schools of five or more individuals (preferrably one male and up to ten females), in a 150 gallon or larger tank.

Compatible tank mates in a FOWLR setting include cardinalfish, gobies, several species of blennies, jawfish, tangs, and wrasses.

Although Dispar Anthias spawn in an aquarium environment and release their pelagic eggs, successfully rearing the larvae is rare and requires hatchery type setups.

Spawing behavior is similar to the Bartlett’s Anthias (Pseudanthias bartlettorum).

They are protogynous hermaphrodites that spawn in harems where one male dominates several females. The male becomes more vibrantly colored and performs a dance like courtship display that starts above the reef with some fin flicking and dives towards the bottom while flashing his red dorsal and ventral fins. The eggs are released by the females into the water column and fertilized by the male, usually during a daily feeding frenzy, close to dusk.

In the wild, they spawn in large schools where the eggs are swept away by strong currents. In an aquarium environment, the floating eggs are usually sucked into the filtration system or eaten by other fish in the tank before they can be collected. The microscopic newly hatched larvae are almost impossible to raise and require copepod nauplii that are hard to culture.
For this reason the majority of specimens sold to tropical fish keeping enthusiats are wild caught.

In their natural habitat, Dispar Anthias are omnivores that seem to be constantly feeding on zooplankton and small crustaceans. In an aquarium environment, the biggest challenge to feeding them is their high metabolism. They require consistent daily feeding to prevent starvation, especially in the first few weeks.

Dispar Anthias should be fed a variety of meaty foods like finely chopped seafood, vitamin enriched frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, copepods, and amphipods 3 to 4 times a day.

Over time they will accept high quality flake foods or pellets but to keep them thriving, a refugium is recommended for cultivating a continuous food supply of nutritious live copepods and amphipods.

The Dispar Anthias (Pseudanthias dispar) is sporadically available to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts from a number of online wholesalers, trans shippers, and retailers, usually by special order at approximate purchase sizes: Small 1-1/2″ to 2″; Medium 2″ to 3″; Medium/Large: 3″ to 3-1/2″; Large: 3-1/2″ to 4″.

Prices vary by size and area of collection but run around $35.99 to 49.99 for small Sri Lanka individuals to $54.99 or more for medium Marshall Island specimens.

Dispar Anthias (Pseudanthias dispar)

Minimum Tank Size: 80 gallons
Aquarium Type: Reef or FOLR
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi Aggressive
Aquarium Hardiness: Delicate but hardy after acclimated
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8 to 12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max size: 4″
Color Form: Orange, Purple, Red, White, Yellow
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: Reef
Origin: Australia, Indonesia, Central/West Pacific
Family: Serranidae
Lifespan: 5 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate/Advanced

Bartlett’s Anthias School (Pseudanthias bartlettorum)

The Bartlett’s Anthias (Pseudanthias bartlettorum) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as the Bartlett’s Fairy Bass is found in the western Pacific Ocean and ranges from Palau, Kosrae in the Caroline Islands, Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands, Nauru and Tabuaeran in Kiribati and Tonga.

The Bartlett’s Anthias is normally encountered in areas with strong currents along the reef slopes, faces, and channel drop offs of their range at depths to 100 feet or more where they are normally encountered in large schools of a few males with several dozen females and juvenile stragglers.

Like most Anthias species, Bartlett’s Anthias are protogynous hermaphrodites that change sex from female to male. I n the wild when a male in a harem dies, the largest and most dominant female will morph into a male to take his place.

Bartlett’s Anthias (Pseudanthias bartlettorum)

The Bartlett’s Anthias has a moderately compressed two toned body with a thick, pointed upper lip. The upper portion of the head and body are a bright yellow color with the lower portion of the body typically a magenta or purple to lavender color that fades on the bellly.  The iris is dark orange in color, and a dark orange band on the head runs from the snout to the lower part of the eye.  The dorsal fin is yellow tinged with lavender, the anal fin is pale lavender with a redish margin on the caudal penducal and the caudal fin is yellow with violet outer margins. The pelvic fins are a pale lavender color and the pectoral fins are transluscent.

Male Pseudanthias bartlettorum have more intensely colored violet bodies with brighter yellow along the back and upper caudal lobe.    Females tend to be more lavender in color with a yellow back and caudal fin.

Bartlett’s Anthias are best housed singly or in small harems of one male with 2 to 5 females in a mature well established FOWLR or reef aquarium of at least 80 gallon capacity, with a sandy or finely crushed coral substrate with plenty of live rock arranged into crevices, caves, and overhangs for them to hide among and plenty of free swimming space.

A powerhead or wavemaker will ensure the moderate water flow and proper oxygenation to mimic their natural deep water environment. An aquarium chiller is suggested to maintain water temperatures in their recommended range and because they are excellent jumpers; a tight fitting lid or glass cover is essential to prevent them from leaping out of the tank.

Pseudanthias bartlettorum are reef safe and totally compatible with corals and invertebrates.   They can be kept singly, as a mated pair, or in small groups of females. Although they can become aggressive towards conspecifics when kept in small groups in smaller aquariums; housing them in larger groups or as a single male with several females is recommended to mitigate aggression. For a larger school of five or more individuals, a 150 gallon tank is recommended.

Compatible tank mates include clownfish, blennies, dottybacks, tangs, wrasses, cardinals, and gobies.

Widespread captive rearing of Bartlett’s Anthias is limited but they have been bred by tropical fish keeping enthusiasts in large established 100 gallon plus systems decorated with copious amounts off mature live rock with heavy water flow.

They are protogynous hermaphrodites that spawn in harems where one male dominates several females, making them somewhat suitable for captive breeding. Pseudanthias bartlettorum are pelagic spawners that often spawn daily when conditioned with multiple feedings. Males perform courtship displays that start above the reef with some fin flicking and dive towards the bottom as they display their ventral fins. The eggs are released by the females into the water column and fertilized by the males usually during a daily feeding frenzy, close to dusk.

For the average hobbyist, raising the fry is nearly impossible. In the wild, they spawn in large groups where the eggs are swept away by strong currents. In an aquarium environment, the floating eggs are usually sucked into the filtration system or eaten by other fish in the tank before they can be collected. The microscopic newly hatched larvae are difficult to raise and require copepod nauplii that are hard to culture. For this reason the majority of specimens sold to tropical fish keeping enthusiats are wild caught.

In their natural habitat, Pseudanthias bartlettorum are constanyt plankton grazers. In an aquarium environment the biggest challenge to feeding them is their high metabolism.

Bartlett’s Anthias should be fed a variety of meaty foods like finely chopped seafood, vitamin enriched frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, copepods, and amphipods 3 to 4 times a day.   Over time they may accept high quality flake foods but to keep them thriving, a refugium is highly recommended for cultivating a continuous food supply of nutritious live copepods and amphipods.

The Bartlett’s Anthias (Pseudanthias bartlettorum) is sporadically available to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts from a number of online wholesalers, trans shippers, and retailers, usually by special order at prices around $ $73.99 to $87.49 for Medium 1 1/2″ to 2 1/4″ Marshall Island specimens.

Bartlett’s Anthias (Pseudanthias bartlettorum)

Minimum Tank Size: 80 gallons
Aquarium Type: Reef or FOLR
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi Aggressive
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy once acclimated
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8 to 12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max size: 3.5″”
Color Form: Orange, Purple, Red. Yellow
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: Reef
Origin: western Pacific Ocean
Family: Serranidae
Lifespan: 5 – 7 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate/Advanced

Blotched Anthias (Odontanthias borbonbius)

The Blotched Anthias (Odontanthias borbonius) known to tropical fish keeping enthsiasts as the Borbonius Lyretail Anthias, Borbonius Anthias, or Blotchy Anthias is a rare deep water species that is native to the Western Indian Ocean; specificially around the Mauritius and Réunion islands.

Blothched Anthias are are often found in loose groups or schools in the deep sea coral reefs of their range in areas with strong currents at depths from 200 and 300 feet all the way down to 1000 feet.

Blotched Anthias (Odontanthias borbonbius)

Blothched Anthias have a striking warm pink body color that is accented with irregular mottled shaped rustic gold markings and light lemon yellow colored fins. The anterior fin has distinct spines, while their dorsal and caudal fins terminate into filaments.

The Blotched Anthias exhibits sexual dimorphism with males being typically larger than females and displaying more vibranthly colored orange to red bodies with striking purple accents.   Females have more subdued coloration that often appeas as shades of red and yellow.  Adult males typically reach a maximum size of about 4 inches, while females are slightly smaller.

Juvenile Blotched Anthias have a more uniform red to pink body coloration with less prominent purple markings than adult males. Their colors become more intense as they attain adulthood.

Odontanthias borbonius are best housed singly or in small groups in a mature well established FOWLR or reef aquarium of at least 100 gallon capacity, with a sandy or finely crushed coral substrate and plenty of live rock arranged into crevices, caves, and overhangs for them to hide among. They need ample caves and shaded, lower light areas with strong to moderate water flow for proper oxygenation to mimic their natural deep water environment.  An aquarium chiller is recommended to keep water temperatures in their recommended range.

The Blotched Anthias is completely reef safe and compatible with corals and invertebrates in a reef environment. Generally peaceful, they can be kept singly, as a mated pair, or as small groups of females. Although they can become aggressive towards conspecifics when kept in small groups in smaller tanks; keeping them in larger groups or as a single male with several females is recommended to mitigate aggression.

Compatible tank mates that coexist peacefully with the Blotched Anthias include clownfish, blennies, dottybacks, tangs, and gobies.

The Blotched Anthias has been successfully bred in an aquarium environment at temperatures around 80°F in Palau, with successful rearing of larvae reported by Biota Palau.

Odontanthias borbonius are deep water protogynous hermaphrodites that spawn in harems, with dominant females transforming into males.   They are pelagic spawners that often spawn daily when conditioned with multiple feedings.  Males perform fin flicking displays and courtship dives starting above the reef and diving towards the bottom while displaying their ventral fins.   The eggs are released by the females and fertilized by the males as they are released into the water colum without further attention.   The voracious larvae eventually develop into small adults.

Breeding can be accomplished in a 75 to 120 gallon or larger aquarium kept at a temperature of 70-78°F and decorated with plenty of live rock.   Select a mated pair or small group of females and feed them 4 to 5 times a day with live foods to get them into breeding condition. Raising the water temperature to around 80°F will trigger spawning.

Larvae require a continuous supply of live micro zooplankton after their yolk sacs are absorbed. Start feeding Parvocalanus crassirostris to the larvae 3 to 4 times daily to maintain a high prey density. After day 10, switch to Brachionus plicatillis for the next 25 days and finally to newly hatched Artemia Nauplii and as the larvae grow, to Tisbe or Apocyclops.

Maintain prey density in the larvae tank. If they are not literally swimming in a dense cloud of copepod nauplii, they will starve. Adding live microalgae like Isochrysis galbana directly to the larval tank tints the water green which reduces larval stress, provides background contrast for hunting prey, and keeps the live copepods/rotifers nutritionally enriched.

In their natural habitat, Blotched Anthias feed on zooplankton and small crustaceans. In an aquarium environment they require a diverse range of foods to replicate their diet including high-quality marine pellets, frozen Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and live copepods. Regular, small feedings throughout the day help mimic their natural feeding behavior.

An attached refugium cultivating copepods and amphipods is highly recommended to provide a steady supply of nutritious live foods.

The Blotched Anthias (Odontanthias borbonius) is sporadically available to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts from a number of online wholesalers, trans shippers, and retailers, usually by special order at prices around $ 749.99 for small; 1″ to 13/4 specimens. They are expensive and seasonal with availability often limited to the winter months in the USA.

Blotched Anthias (Odontanthias borbonbius)

Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons
Aquarium Type: Reef or FOLR
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi Aggressive
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy when acclimated
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8 to 12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Max size: 6″
Color Form: Pink, Orange, Purple, Yellow
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: Reef
Origin: Mauritius and Réunion islands
Family: Serranidae
Lifespan: 5 – 7 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate/Advanced

Striped Blenny(Meiacanthus grammistes)

The Striped Blenny(Meiacanthus grammistes) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as the Striped Fang Blenny, Line-spot Harptail Blenny, Gammistes Blenny, or Striped Poison Fang Blenny is found in the Western Pacific Ocean and ranges from Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and the Coral Sea to the Ryukyu Islands.

The Striped Blenny is a solitary combtooth blenny species that is normally encountered alone or in close proximity to their den in reef environments characterized by rocky crevices and coral formations.  In areas where large numbers of striped blenny dens are found close to one another; pairs and even small harems can often be found inhabiting a single den.

Although the Striped Blenny is a solitary species that is usually found in the open ocean, it frequently travels into shallow saltwater and brackish water estuaries where it is commonly found darting amongst coral branches and rocky outcrops, seeking refuge in crevices.

The Striped Blenny has relatively large canine like teeth that protrude from the lower jaw.   Their unusual painless venom that they use to stun predators consists of a neuropeptide that is seen in cone snail venom, a lipase that is found in some scorpion species, and an opioid peptide.    The venom lowers the blood pressure of the predator and relaxes its jaws allowing a captured Striped Blenny to escape.

Striped Blenny(Meiacanthus grammistes)

The Striped Blenny has a stout body with a pointed snout, a long continuous dorsal fin, and a crown shaped caudal fin that in mature adults develops long filaments. The body color is white to platinum colored with a bright yellow area over the head that fades past the shoulders, and four thick black horizontal stripes that run from the forehead to the caudal peduncle tapering at the posterior into dots. The dots are larger over the caudal area and decrease in size into tiny spots over the rays of the tail. Males and females exhibit similar coloration and morphology.

The Striped Blenny is best kept in a FOWLR or reef tank of at least 30 gallon capacity with a sand or coralline gravel substrate and plenty of mature live rock arranged into caves, overhangs, and crevices for them to nest and hide among.   Meiacanthus grammistes require a tightly fitting lid on their tank and a lot of free swimming space with moderate water flow,  but otherwise are quite undemanding.

The Striped Blenny is a hardy, peaceful species that can be housed with other peaceful fish in a reef tank, however they may become territorial towards other blennies, gobies, or dartfish when housed in smaller tanks.    Compatible tank mates include Clownfish, (Ocellaris Clownfish), Royal Gramma (Gramma loreto), Firefish (Nemateleotris spp.), Banggai Cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni), Orchid Dottybacks (Pseudochromis fridmani), Pygmy Angelfish, etc.

Meiacanthus grammistes are considered reef safe and generally ignore corals and invertebrates however, when insufficient food is available, they have been known to occasionally nip at small-polyped stony corals.

The Striped Blenny has been bred in an aquarium environment however the larvae are difficult to raise. Pairs will frequently pair up, spawn and deposit tiny, adhesive, pinkish colored eggs along the walls of their den however, raising a brood in a home aquarium is next to impossible.

In their natural environment, the Striped Blenny feeds on a variety of crustaceans, zooplankton, algae and copepods.   In an aquarium environment, they readily accept a varied diet of fresh, frozen, or freeze dried brine shrimp, Mysis shrimp, frozen marine formulas for herbivores, chopped crustaceans, pellets, and high quality marine flakes.

The Striped Blenny(Meiacanthus grammistes) is widely available to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as wild caught or captive bred specimens from a variety of online retailers, wholesalers, and transhippers at prices that vary on size and area of collection.

Approximate purchase sizes are: Small: 1″ to 2″; Medium: 2″ to 3″; Large: 3″ to 4″. Prices vary from $ 57.99 for medium Indonesian specimens to over $65.99.

Striped Blenny(Meiacanthus grammistes)

Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallon (55+ gallons for pairs)
Aquarium Type: Reef or FOWLR
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 72-78°F, dKH 8 – 12°, pH 8.1–8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Max size: 5″
Color Form: Black, White, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Reef Safe
Origin: Philippines and Indonesia
Family: Blenniidae
Lifespan: 5 years or more
Aquarist Experience Level: Beginner/Intermediate

Kenya Tree coral (Capnella)

The Kenya Tree coral (Capnella) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as the Capnella coral, Cauliflower coral, Colt coral, Taro Tree Coral, Tree Coral, Broccoli Soft Coral, Brown Cauliflower Coral, Soft Tree Coral, African Tree Coral and Nepthea coral is found throughout the Indo Pacific with a range that extends from the coast of Africa to the Western Pacific and into the Red Sea.

Kenya Tree coral is native to the warm waters of the Western Indian Ocean in the region of Kenya and Tanzania where they are common in shallow reefs with moderate water flow.

Although the Kenya Tree coral is generally found among the coral reef slopes of their range in clear shallow to deeper waters with strong tidal currents, they are quite adaptable and are also found in shadier spots closer to shore growing on rocks and coral rubble.

Kenya Tree coral (Capnella)

The Kenya Tree coral, like all species of Capnella are arborescent and form thick trunks with branches that resemble a tree branch, hence their common name.

Some of the species (listed below) are lobed and in areas with very strong currents, form flatter colonies with shorter branches.

Capnella arbuscula Verseveldt, 1977
Capnella australiensis (Thorpe, 1928)
Capnella bouilloni Verseveldt, 1976
Capnella erecta Verseveldt, 1977
Capnella fructosa
Capnella fungiformis Kükenthal, 1903
Capnella gaboensis Verseveldt, 1977
Capnella garetti Verseveldt, 1977
Capnella imbricata (Quoy & Gaimard, 1833)
Capnella johnstonei Verseveldt, 1977
Capnella lacertiliensis Macfadyen
Capnella parva Light, 1913
Capnella portlandensis Verseveldt, 1977
Capnella ramosa Light, 1913
Capnella sabangensis Roxas, 1933
Capnella shepherdi Verseveldt, 1977
Capnella spicata (May)
Capnella susanae Williams, 1988
Capnella thyrsoidea (Verrill, 1989)
Capnella watsonae Verseveldt, 1977

Kenya Tree coral (Capnella)

Capnella are generally colored gray with brown polyps, however, they are collected in a variety of color forms from Brown, Beige, Pink, Red, Purple, Green, etc.   Their color and the intensity of their colors is dependent on how much light they receive. The more intense the light, the lighter the color of the coral.

Pink Kenya Tree coral (Capnella)

Because the Kenya Tree coral is extremely adaptive and has the ability to thrive in a variety of environments, they are a common sight throught their range.

Although the Kenya Tree coral can be housed in reef tanks as small as 10 gallons, they are best kept in larger reef tanks of at least 50 gallon capacity with a sand or fine coralline gravel substrate and plenty of rubble or live rock for them to attach themselves to. They do well in the middle to bottom of the tank with low to moderate lighting, moderate to high indirect water flow, and adequate space to minimize overgrowth.

Kenya Tree coral (Capnella)

Capnella is semi aggressive towards other corals and will give off chemical toxins to ward off invasive competitors. Albiet somewhat invasive, it is a great addition to fill out rockwork.

Compatible tankmates for Kenyan Tree Coral include Firefish, Royal Gramma, Gobies, Clownfish, Cleaner Shrimp, and other peaceful species.

The Kenya Tree coral reproduces asexually by dropping off branches. When they are ready to reproduce, a distinct swelling will form at the bottom of a branch which then drops off to form a new colony. The dropped branch will quickly secure a new hold and eventually develop into a new colony. Dropped branches stick very quickly and will usually be firmly rooted in a day or less. Established colonies are able to bend and reattach to the rock by “creeping” and divison at their base.

In their natural environment, Kenya Tree corals obtain most of their nutrients from their zooxantheliae, symbiotic algae. Although they rely mostly on photosynthesis and dissolved organics for growth, they are also able to capture and consume small planktonic organizms with their polyps.

In an aquarium environment with moderate water flow, they benefit from weekly supplemental feedings of phytoplankton, zooplankton, baby brine shrimp, or marine snow mixed with water that they catch with their polyps.

The Kenya Tree coral (Capnella) is readily available in the aquarium trade to tropical fish ikeeping enthusiasts as wild caught and captive-bred specimens from a vareity of online retailers at modest prices.

Aquaculture of this coral has been successful, leading to increased availability and sustainability in the hobby.

Kenya Tree coral (Capnella)

Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallon
Tank Placement: Bottom to Middle
Water Flow: Moderate to Strong
Care Level: Easy
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Temperament: Semi Aggressive
Toxicity: Yes, weak toxins
Invasive: yes
Water Conditions: 73 – 82°F, dKH 8 – 12°, pH 8.1–8.4, sg 1.023-1.025, Nitrate 2.5 – 10 ppm
Lighting: Moderate
Feeding: phytoplankton, zooplankton
Growth Rate : Fast
Color Form: Brown, Beige, Pink, Purple, Green, etc.
Diet: Photosynthetice, Filter Feeder
Origin: Indo-Pacific, Red Sea
Family: Nephtheidae
Lifespan: 5 – 7 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Beginner

Panda Goby (Paragobiodon lacunicolus)

The Panda Goby (Paragobiodon lacunicolus) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as the Blackfin Coral Goby, Panda Clown Goby, Blackfin Goby, Panda Coral Goby, and Nano Goby is native to the islands of the Indo Australian Archipelago in the Western Pacific Ocean and ranges from the Seychelles and Chagos Islands to the Line and Tuamoto Islands; north to the Ryukyu and Bonin Islands; south to Lord Howe Island; and throughout Micronesia.

The Panda Goby is a small, peaceful, strikingly beautiful, specilized reef species that is normally encountered alone or in pairs on the shallow to moderate reef slopes and lagoons of their range in close proximity to specific types of branching corals where it feeds on zooplankton and coral mucus.

Although the Panda Goby is most commonly found in shallower lagoons and seward reefs living almost exclusively within the complex branches of small polyp stony (SPS) corals (particularly Pocillopora damicornis) that they use for shelter, nesting, and as a feeding ground; they have been collected at a depths from 3 to over 200 feet among Pocillopora damicornis and Seriatopora spp.

Panda Goby (Paragobiodon lacunicolus)

The Panda Goby (Paragobiodon lacunicolus) is a small, stocky fish with a relatively large head in proportion to its body length. They have fleshy papillae on the snout and cheek and scaleless areas on the head and abdomen that distinguish them from the Black Tear Goby (Paragobiodon lacrimae).   Paragobiodon lacunicolus have a pale yellow to white body color with rosy to orange hues on the head or cheeks and large, rounded deep black dorsal, anal, and caudal fins that lends to its panda like appearance. Males and females are visually indistinguishable.

The Panda Coral Goby is a small, shy, cryptic species that will thrive in a peaceful, well established reef tank of at least 10 gallon capacity with a live sand or fine coralline gravel substrate, plenty of live rock, and dense growths of healthy Acropora or Stylophora corals which they need to survive.   Without a suitable SPS coral host, Paragobiodon lacunicolus will be stressed, refuse to settle, and will ultimately perish.

Because Paragobiodon lacunicolus are very specilized fish that rarely leave the the SPS coral structure that they reside among, they are best suited for reef systems where they can be kept as pairs, in small groups, or with other small, non aggressive gobies and slow moving invertebrates that do not outcompete them for food.

Although the Panda Goby is entirely reef safe, their constant presence on the host Acropora may occasionally cause localized tissue recession on that specific coral branch.

The Panda Coral Goby has been successfully bred by specialized facilities in an aquarium environment.

Like the Black Clown Goby, the Panda Goby forms strong, permanent, socially monogamous pairs and rarely leave their host coral. They are hermaphroditec and have the unusual ability to change ther sex in both directions which helps stabilize their social structure within a coral colony.

When ready to breed, the pair prepares a nesting site by clearing a small area on a branch of SPS coral where the female deposits her tiny, adhesive eggs. Immediately after the female deposits her eggs, the male follows behind her and fertilizes them. The male vigorously guards the nest against potential predators while aerating the eggs with his pectoral fins and mouthing the eggs to clean them from detritus and remove any that are dead or infertile.

After a short incubation period of 4 to 5 days, the eggs hatch out into tiny larvae that are planktonic and drift along in the water column for several weeks before settling onto a new coral colony and developing into juvenile gobies. Under optimal conditions, spawning can occur as frequently as every few days.

In an aquarium environment, rearing the larval stage is challenging due to the minute size of the fry and their requirement for specialized live foods (rotifers and microalgae) during the long planktonic phase.

In their natural environment, the Panda Goby feeds primarily on tiny zooplankton and microorganisms picked from the water column and coral branches.

In an aquarium environment, due to their small size and shyness, they must be fed by a pipette small, high quality meaty foods like baby brine shrimp, minced frozen mysis shrimp, Calanus or Clyclops Rotifers, finely powdered flake foods, and other small frozen carnivore food preparations. They are slow deliberate eaters that require targeted feedings at least 2 to 3 times a day to ensure that they consume the meal before other fish steal it or the current disperses it.

The Panda Goby (Paragobiodon lacunicolus) is a rare specialty species that is only occasionally available to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts from highly specialized marine livestock importers or distributors who deal in rare or “by-catch” species from specific regions of the Indo Pacific where they are found.   Because of its unique appearancce, specialized collection and breeding requirements, they are usually expensive.

Prices for wild caught Paragobiodon lacunicolus vary by retailer, area of collection, and size but range in the area of $28.99 to $40.00 for 1/4″ to 3/4″ specimens.

Panda Goby (Paragobiodon lacunicolus)

Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallon
Aquarium Type: Reef
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Extremely Peaceful
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy when acclimated
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8 – 12°, pH 8.1–8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max size: 1″-1.5″
Color Form: Black, White, Yellow
Diet: Micro-carnivore/Planktivore
Compatibility: Reef Safe
Origin: Western Pacific Ocean
Family: Gobiidae
Lifespan: 4 – 5 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate

Black Clown Goby (Gobiodon atricirratus)

The Black Clown Goby (Gobiodon atricirratus) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as the Azure Goby or Black Goby, is native to the Western Pacific Ocean, with a wide distribution throughout the coral rich waters of Indonesia, the Philippines, and Melanesia.

Like all members of the Gobiodon genus, the Black Clown Goby  is a cryptic, coral dwelling species that is found in shallow to moderate depths from 6 to 50 feet where they spend the majority of their lives perched among the protective branches of stony corals like Acropora and Stylophora that they utilize for shelter, as lookout posts, and as potential nesting sites.

Native to the Ceram Sea and broader Indo-Pacific, Gobiodon ceramensis  which is the same species as Gobiodon atricirratus, are most commonly encountered alone, in pairs, or in small groups “hopping” from coral branch to branch and nesting among the polyps.

.The Black Clown Goby is a shy, peaceful, inquisitive, and less common relative to the Citrinis Clown Goby and Green Clown Goby.   Because they are not strong swimmers and rarely venture into open water, they are usually spotted by divers  as they “hop” from one Acropora branch to another, amongst the coral reefs of their range.

The Black Clown Goby is prized by many tropical fish keeping enthusiasts for their inquisitive demeanor, uniform dark colors, and diminutive size for small reef tanks.

Black Clown Goby (Gobiodon atricirratus)

The Black Clown Goby is a small, stout, blunt headed species that has a deep, velvety black, dark brown, to dark purple body color with subtile, lighter vertical stripes or spots. Their body lacks scales and is coated in a mildly toxic mucus that protects them for most predators.

The Black Clown Goby is best housed in a mature FOWLR or preferrably a well established reef aquarium of at least 20 gallon capacity with a live sand or fine coralline gravel substrate, plenty of live rock, and a healthy growth of branching stony corals (preferably Acropora or Pocillopora) for them to perch on, hide among and nest.   A specialized host coral environment is essential for this species to truly thrive.

The Black Clown Goby is peaceful toward invertebrates and most other fish species but is highly territorial of their host coral and toward conspecifics.   Gobiodon atricirratus should be housed as the only clown goby is a system unless the tank is large enough to provide separate, distinct host corals for each individual fish.

Although they are generally reef safe, the Black Clown Goby may aggressively nip at the polyps of their host coral to clear a small area for perching or nesting.   This usually results in localized, temporary tissue recession on the coral.

Like many clown gobies, the Black Clown Goby has been successfully captive bred in an aquarium environment.   Commercial aquaculture has occured but is less common for this specific species.

Black Clown Gobies are often hermaphrodites and form strong, monogamous pair bonds.  When ready to breed, the pair will select a suitable spawning site, usually the underside of a branching coral like Acropora.   Both the male and female will strip a small patch of coral tissue and meticulously clean the chosen area using their mouths and fins to remove algae, detritus, or anything else from the surface.

The female will lay a clutch of adhesive eggs, which are attached to the prepared substrate, deep within the branches of the coral.  Immediately after the female lays her eggs, the male follows behind her and fertilizes them.  The male vigorously guards the nest against potential predators while aerating the eggs with his pectoral fins and mouthing the eggs to remove any that are dead or infertile.  The “mouthing” also prevents any fungus or disease from spreading through the mass of eggs.

The male tends to the eggs until they hatch out into small larvae.   Depending on water temperature, the incubation period can last anywhere from a few days to a week.    The tiny larvae are planktonic and drift along in the water column for a period before settling on the seafloor and developing into juvenile gobies.   Under optimal conditions, spawning can occur as frequently as every few days.

In an aquarium environment, rearing the larval stage is challenging due to the minute size of the fry and their requirement for specialized live foods during the planktonic phase.

In their natural environment, the Black Clown Goby feeds primarily on zooplankton and a variety of microorganisms.   In an aquarium environment, they are generally easy to feed but must be fed directly near it’s coral perch.

They are slow, deliberate eaters that will accept a varied diet of meaty and prepared frozen foods such as Mysis shrimp, vitamin enriched brine shrimp, Cyclops and Copepods, high quality marine pellets, and marine flakes.   Small frequent 2 to 3 times a day feedings are recommended to ensure they receive adequate nutrition without being outcompeted by other fish in the tank.

Black Clown Goby (Gobiodon atricirratus or Gobiodon azeus) is occasionally available to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts from a variety of online retailers, wholesalers, and transhippers as wild caught specimens from the Western Pacific.   They are generally less common than the Green or Yellow varieties.

Prices for the Black Clown Goby vary by retailer, area of collection, and size of fish but range in the area of $15.49 – $39.99.

Black Clown Goby (Gobiodon atricirratus)

Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallon (55 gallons for pairs)
Aquarium Type: Reef or FOWLR
Care Level: Difficult
Temperament: Peaceful
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy when acclimated
Water Conditions: 75-81° F, dKH 8 – 12°, pH 8.1–8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Max size: 1.5″-2″
Color Form: Black, Dark Brown, Dark Purple
Diet: Omnivore/Planktivore
Compatibility: Reef Safe with caution
Origin: Western Pacific Ocean
Family: Gobiidae
Lifespan: 4 – 6 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Beginner/Intermediate

Court Jester Goby (Koumansetta rainfordi)

The Court Jester Goby (Koumansetta rainfordi) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as Rainford’s Goby or Old Glory Goby is found in the Western Pacific .

Koumansetta rainfordi‘s range extends from the southern Great Barrier Reef in Australia to Tonga; north to Taiwan and the Philippines, and throughout Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, the Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands, and Fiji.

The Court Jester Goby is a solitary, somewhat social species that is most frequently encountered hovering over the sandy sea bottoms and mud flats of the coral reefs of their range, alone or in small groups, at depths from 6 to over 98 feet, where they forage on benthic algae, copepods, and tiny invertebrates.

Court Jester Goby (Koumansetta rainfordi)

Rainford’s Goby has a compressed, elongated, vibrant olive green to charcoal gray colored body, with five dark blue edged bright orange to red horizontal stripes, and a row of white spots on the upper back. There is a yellow edged black spot on the second dorsal fin and a black spot on the upper base of the caudal fin.

The Court Jester Goby is a timid, peaceful species that can be housed alone in a mature FOWLR or Nano reef tank of at least 20 gallon capacity, or in small groups in larger aquariums of 100 gallons or more with a live sand substrate and plenty of live rock arranged into caves, crevices, and overhangs for them to hide among.

As long as they don’t have to share a small tank with their own kind, Koumansetta rainfordi are rarely aggressive to other species. Avoid keeping them with hawkfish and dottybacks.

The Court Jester Goby  ignores corals, is completely reef safe, and will quickly clean up any pesky hair algae in a reef aquarium.   In fact, many wild caught specimens seem to want nothing but hair algae in their diet and have starved to death without substantial amounts in the tank.

The good news is that modern tropical fish keeping enthusiasts have live copepods readily available to keep wild caught specimens healthy.   Additionally, aquacultured specimens that are less finicky about their diet, hardier, and even more social are readily available from a variety of retailers.

The Court Jester Goby can spawn in an aquarium environment but rearing the fry is extremely difficult.

In their natural habitat, the Court Jester Goby feeds on filamentous algae and small crustaceans. In a mature aquarium with plenty of live sand, live rock and algae for them to graze on their diet should consist of filamentous algae, live and frozen brine shrimp, chopped krill, finely chopped squid, Mysis shrimp, frozen herbivore foods, etc.

The Court Jester Goby (Koumansetta rainfordi) is available to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as wild caught or captive bred specimens from a variety of online retailers, wholesalers, and transhippers at prices that vary by size and area of collection.

Approximate purchase sizes are: Small: 3/4″ to 1″; Medium: over 1″ to 2″; Large: to 3″. Prices range from $29.99 for small Coral Sea specimens to $45.99 or more for large Indonesian specimens.

Court Jester Goby (Koumansetta rainfordi)

Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallon (100+ gallons for pairs)
Aquarium Type: Reef or FOWLR
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 72-78°F, dKH 8 – 12°, pH 8.1–8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max size: 3″
Color Form: Blue, Green, Orange
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Reef Safe
Origin: Coral Sea, Indo-Pacific, Fiji
Family: Gobiidae
Lifespan: 5 – 7 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate

Hillstream Loach (Beaufortia kweichowensis)

The Hillstream Loach (Beaufortia kweichowensis) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as the Butterfly Algae Eater, Butterfly Hillstream Loach, Hong-Kong Pleco, Butterfly loach, Butterfly Pleco, Chinese Butterfly Loach, Chinese Hillstream Loach and Chinese Sucker is found in the fast flowing inland rivers and streams of China, Southeast Asia, and India.

Known from the Xi River in China; the Hillstream Loach prefers cool, fast moving, oxygen rich waters with rocky substrates where they can be seen clinging to smooth rocks with their suction like bellies or cruising along the bottom in search of algae and biofilm.

Beaufortia kweichowensis is a shy, peaceful, bottom dwelling species that have a sucker type mouth with short, tiny barbells, flat undersides, and a flattened tapered body with wing like pectoral fins that enable them to cling to rocks and other smooth surfaces in the fast flowing rivers and streams of their range.

Hillstream Loach (Beaufortia kweichowensis)

The Hillstream loach has a light brown to grayish yellow body color with thick black protruding stripes that become more linear on the dorsal and caudal fins. A more common variety called the Spotted Loach, has small spots over the body and pectoral fins.

The Hillstream Loach can be housed in a tank as small as 20 gallons but is better suited for a tank of at least 55 gallons with a sandy substrate covered with various sizes of smooth river rocks and pebbles made into hiding spots and caves, and decorated with some driftwood.   Plants like Anubias or Java Moss can be included for shelter and biofilm growth.

Because the Hillstream Loach requires cooler water temperatures and a strong current to thrive, an aquarium chiller along with at least one power head is recommended to replicate their natural environment. Some tropical fish keeping enthusiasts add floating or rooted plants that tolerate medium to low light for decoration.

The Hillstream Loach does best in small groups of 3 to 4 individuals and get along well with almost all non aggressive species like barbs, tetras, rasboras, and catfish.

Suitable tankmates include White Cloud Mountain Minnows, Borneo Suckers, Cherry Barbs, Danios, Neon Tetras, Guppies, Corydoras, small Plecos, and Nerite snails.

Although Hillstream Loaches have been bred in an aquarium environment, determining when and how they will breed is extremely challenging.

Beaufortia kweichowensis are egg layers that require pristine water conditions, a well cycled, well established tank with fast moving water, and specific water parameters to breed.

Once an acceptable environment is established with a suitable spawning site such as a smooth rock or flat stone, introduce the breeding pair. Because Hillstream Loaches are not known for the breeding habits in an aquarium environment, it is impossible to predict when or how they will spawn. Spawning can be encouraged by increasing the water flow and feeding the pair live or frozen foods.

When ready to spawn, the male will dance around the female to get her attention. If she is interested, she will stay near the male and together construct a nest by digging into the substrate. The female will lay her eggs in the nest or on a flat surface where it is fertilized by the male. Eggs typically hatch out in 4 to 6 days and the small fry will be free swimming in about a week or so. The tiny fry can be fed infusoria and newly hatched brine shrimp until the are able to forage on their own.

In their natural environment, Hillstream Loaches feed on algae and biofilm on the surfaces of the rocks. In an aquarium environment, they can be fed quality algae wafers, blanched vegetables like zucchini or spinach, and occasionally some protein like brine shrimp, frozen bloodworms or daphnia. Small portions should be offered in small amounts throughout the day instead of one big meal.

The Hillstream Loach (Beaufortia kweichowensis) is available to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts from a variety of retailers and online sellers at approximate purchase sizes: 1″ – 2 1/2″ with prices starting at $14.99 – $34.99. Individuals have variable color and shape depending on their sex, age, and area of collection.

Hillstream Loach (Beaufortia kweichowensis)

Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 68°F-75°F, 6.5 – 7.5, 5-12 dGH
Max. Size: 3”
Color Form: Brown, Black, Tan
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Good community tank fish
Origin: China
Family: Balitoridae
life span of about 5-7 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate/Expert

Hi Fin Red Banded Goby (Stonogobiops nematodes)

The Hi Fin Red Banded Goby (Stonogobiops nematodes) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as the Striped Goby, Blackray Shrimp Goby, Yellow Nose Goby, Filament-finned prawn-goby, Antenna Goby, High-fin Goby, Red-banded Goby, and Barber-pole Goby is native to the western Pacific and Indian Ocean from the Seychelles to the Philippines, and Bali.

The Hi Fin Red Banded Goby is usually encountered in pairs hovering just above the bottom of the deep coastal reef slopes and sandy flats of their range at depths from 49 to over 150 feet.   They are normally seen in close proximity to the entrance of their burrows that they often share with Pistol (alpheid) shrimps among the sandy rubble substrate.   The majority of their time is spent searching for scraps of food in the water column as they hover about two inches above their escape hole.   When startled they will slowly retreat towards their hole or quickly dart inside until the perceived danger is gone.

Stonogobiops nematodes is one of several species that form symbiotic partnerships with the almost blind Randall’s Pistol Shrimp (Alpheus randalli).    The shrimp digs and maintains the burrow, while the goby keeps watch for predators.   When the shrimp is working on the burrow, it stays in contact with the goby with it’s antennae.   When the goby detects a predator, the quivering motion of its caudal fin alerts the shrimp to immediately retreat into the burrow, quickly followed by the goby.   The shrimp closes the entrance to the burrow at night, leaving only one entrance open at any give time.  Alpheus randalli seldom emerge from their burrows without close contact with the goby.

Hi Fin Red Banded Goby (Stonogobiops nematodes)

The Hi Fin Red Banded Goby has a yellow head and a silver-white body with distinct dark brown diagonal stripes across the body.   Both sexes have a striking pointed dorsal fin that increases in size and becomes more pronounced as they grow into adulthood.   This elongated fin is the most obvious distinguishing feature between the Hi Fin Red Banded Goby and its close cousin, the Yellow Snout Goby (S. xanthorhinica).   Males and females are virtually indistinguishable.

The Hi Fin Red Banded Goby is best housed in a reef or passive FOWLR aquarium of at least 10 gallon capacity, with a deep substrate of small grain coral sand mixed with larger particles of coral rubble for them to burrow into and plenty of live rock for them to hide among. A tightly fitting tank cover is recommend to keep them from jumping out of the tank when startled.

The Hi Fin Red Banded Goby is a shy, docile species that is best kept as mated pairs when possible.   Their passiveness makes them a perfect tankmate for delicate species like sea horses, pipefish, and the red and white barred shrimp (Alpheus randalli). Because other fish, corals, and invertebrates are normally left alone by Stonogobiops nematodes, they are an ideal choice for reef tanks.

The Hi Fin Red Banded Goby can occasionally display aggression towards other tank tankmates by opening its mouth and yawning at them, however, this is mostly show. Individual males may actually fight when housed in aquariums smaller than about 50 gallons.

Mated Stonogobiops nematodes pairs are very rare and difficult to acquire.   Although they have spawned in a home aquarium environment, there have been no reports from tropical fish keeping enthusiasts of successfully rearing the larvae past settlement.    Prior to spawning, the belly of the female becomes noticeably swollen with eggs.   Spawning usually occurs inside a cave or under a rock where an egg mass is deposited by the female and fertilized by the male. Depending on water temperature, the fertilized eggs hatch out within 5 or 6 days. The small larvae take about a month or so to undergo metamorphosis.

In their natural environment, the Hi Fin Red Banded Goby feeds on zooplankton and other small foods drifting in the water column. In an aquarium environment, they will consume a wide variety of meaty foods including Mysis shrimp, vitamin enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped krill, chopped prawns, carnivore pellets, chopped table shrimp, etc. If they are reluctant to feed when first introduced into the tank, use a turkey baster to direct the offering to where the goby is hiding. Feeding small portions 3 to 4 times a day is recommended.

The Hi Fin Red Banded Goby (Stonogobiops nematodes) is available to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as wild caught specimens from online retailers, wholesalers, and transhippers.   Prices for approximate purchase sizes Small: 1/2″ to 1″; Medium: 1″ to 1-1/2″; Large: 1-1/2″ to 2″ vary from $ 39.99 for small specimens to over $ 69.99 for large.

Hi Fin Red Banded Goby (Stonogobiops nematodes)

Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallon (55 gallons for pairs)
Aquarium Type: Reef or FOLR
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8 – 12°, pH 8.1–8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max size: 2.5″
Color Form: Brown, White, Yellow
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: Reef Safe
Origin: Indo Pacific
Family: Gobiidae
Lifespan: 5 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate

Reticulated Hillstream Loach (Sewellia lineolata)

The Reticulated Hillstream Loach (Sewellia lineolata) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as the Spotted Sucker, Tiger Hillstream Loach, Gold Ring Butterfly Sucker, Butterfly Hillstream Loach, or Spotted Loach is found among the shallow riffles, river rapids, and the slower moving stream pools in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.

The Reticulated Hillstream Loach is a hardy, peaceful species that can tolerate a wide range of water parameters.   In their natural Vietnamese environment of densely rock strewn riffles with sparse vegetation; heavy rainfalls frequently occur that stirs up sediment causing wide fluctuations in water conditions. Sewellia lineolata are hardy enough to easily survive these wide ranging environmental conditions.

Reticulated Hillstream Loach (Sewellia lineolata)

The Reticulated Hillstream Loach has a streamlined body shape that resembles a miniature stingray and a flat underside with horizontal wing like fins that enable them to tightly grip the smooth rocks and withstand the rushing rapids of their environment.

They have a brown to light gray body color covered with light colored spots and dark brown to black reticulated striped patterns.

The Reticulated Hillstream Loach is a peaceful species that is best kept in groups of 3 or more individuals in a well established tank of at least 30 gallon capacity, with a sandy substrate covered with a dense layer of varied sized river rocks, some driftwood, and a few plants to replicate their natural environment.    Hillstream Loaches can easily climb out of your aquarium, so use a tight fitting aquarium hood or top.

Although they prefer good water quality with highly oxygenated water to thrive and a good filtration system, a powerhead to provide a strong current, and regular water changes are highly recommended; the Reticulated Hillstream Loach has been successfully housed and bred in hot water tanks with clown loaches, unheated goldfish setups, and even heavily planted tanks with gentle sponge filters, without any problems.

Although all species of Hillstream Loaches do well in community setups, males will occasionally spar with each other if the tank is too small or doesn’t have enough cover.

The Reticulated Hillstream Loach will get along with most similarly sized community fish. They can be kept with goldfish, livebearers, shrimp, snails, tetras, danios, and other schooling fish without any problems.

Suitable tankmates include Borneo Suckers, White Cloud Mountain Minnows, Danios, Cherry Barbs, Corydoras, and Nerite snails.   All these species are peaceful fish that have similar water requirements to Reticulated Hillstream Loaches

Although the Reticulated Hillstream Loach can be bred in an aquarium environment, it is difficult.   Because most Sewellia lineolata are sold to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts from retailers as juveniles,  it is difficult to sex a pair.     In general, females have a wider head and a plumper body.    Males have a more jagged silhouette at the pectoral fins near their shoulders.    The best way to determine a pair for breeding purposes is to purchase six or more and watch for two to pair off.

Place a breeding pair in an established aquarium with plenty of rocks with algae, mulm, and infusoria and ensure that they get plenty of food.    When ready to breed, the male does a little dance and the pair will smooth out a bed in the gravel to lay their eggs.   The eggs hatch out in a few days into to tiny fry that can be fed infusoria, microworms, vinegar eels, baby brine shrimp and powered fry foods.    Cover your pre filter with a sponge to prevent any fry from being sucked up or collect the fry into a breeder box to keep them from predation.

In their natural environment, the Reticulated Hillstream Loach uses its sucker like mouth to feed on algae, small crustaceans, detritus, and other organisms living on the rocks in the river bottom.   In an established aquarium environment they will scrape off anything that grows on the rocks, driftwood, plant leaves, or walls of the tank including hair algae, diatom algae, and even the dreaded black beard algae.    However, supplemental feedings of high quality sinking carnivore pellets, frozen spirulina, algae wafers, freeze dried bloodworms, tubifex, brine shrimp and blanched vegetables are recommended, particularly if you plan to breed them.

The Reticulated Hillstream Loach (Sewellia lineolata) is available to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts from a variety of retailers and online sellers at approximate purchase sizes: 1″ – 2 1/2″ with prices starting at $ 14.99

Reticulated Hillstream Loach (Sewellia lineolata)

Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 64-78° F, KH 10-15, pH 6.5 -7.8
Max. Size: 3”
Color Form: Brown, Black, Green
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Good community tank fish
Origin: Southeast Asia
Family: Balitoridae
life span of about 8 – 10 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate

Lawnmower Blenny (Salarias fasciatus)

The Lawnmower Blenny (Salarias fasciatus) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as the Algae Blenny, Sailfin Blenny, Sailfin Algae Blenny, Rock Blenny, or Jewelled Rockskipper is native to Indo Pacific waters, including the Red Sea, the western Pacific Ocean, and the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

Ranging from East Africa and the Red Sea, to Samoa and the Islands of Micronesia, the Lawnmower Blenny is a solitary species that is most often found on rocky shorelines and shallow coral reef flats with abundant growths of algae at depths from 1 to 30 feet.

The Lawnmower Blenny has an olive to brown, green, or gray elongated body; with dark bars, numerous round and elongated white spots, and an abundance of pale spots, anteriorly running dark streaks, and several darker bands that enables them to blend into their surroundings as they comb for algae.

Lawnmower Blenny (Salarias fasciatus)

The Jewelled Rockskipper has a large mouth, an oversize head covered with blue or black dots, dorsal and anal fins attached to the caudal fin, broad fanlike pectoral fins, and cirri (antanae) on their head between their black pronounced eyes. There are usually dark longitudinal lines on the front part of the body, and small bright blue spots with dark outlines along the rear part of the body that give them their Jewelled Rockskipper moniker.

Male Salarias fasciatus often have longer and more pronounced spines on their anal fins, while females tend to be slightly larger and rounder.

Like the Midas Blenny (Ecsenius midas), Salarias fasciatus can change colors depending on their mood.

The Lawnmower Blenny is a peaceful species that can be housed in a mature FOWLR or well established reef aquarium of at least 30 gallon capacity with a coralline gravel or live sand substrate, and plenty of live rock with healthy populations of microalgae and macroalgae arranged into crevices, ledges, caves, and overhangs for them to perch and graze on.   Adequate lighting and a healthy algae population is crucial to fulfill their dietary needs.

Although the Lawnmower Blenny is considered reef safe, they are known to occasionally pick on small polyp stony corals and clam mantles in smaller tanks or when food is scarce.

The Lawnmower Blenny is generally peaceful towards other species unless the tank mate is similar in shape or appearance. It is best to house them alone unless kept in larger aquariums or as mated pairs.

The do well in mature FOWLR tanks with other peaceful species like Dottybacks, Flame Hawkfish, Dwarf Angelfish like the Coral Beauty, Anthias, Yellow Boxfish, Kole Tangs, etc.

Because they need a diet rich in algae and biofilm to breed and limited information about their spawning behavior is known; the Lawnmower Blenny is not commonly bred in captivity. The additional challenge to breeding is their aggression towards their own species. They are egg layers that produce adhesive eggs and plaggic larvae.

In their natural environment, the Lawnmower Blenny feeds on detritus, algae, and biofilm which they scrape from hard surfaces in the shallow reefs and lagoons that they reside in.   Their diet includes decomposed organic matter, various types of filamentous algae and diatoms, small invertebrates and shelled protozoa, and occasionally sponges, small snails, and fish eggs.

In a well established aquarium with plenty of biofilm, live rock and algae growth, their diet should be supplemented with vegetable matter, spirulina, marine algae, and frozen herbivore preparations. Dried nori can be provided when natural algae is scarce.

A steady diet of microalgae and macroalgae is essential for the health and well being of this species.

The Lawnmower Blenny (Salarias fasciatus) is commonly available to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as wild caught and aquacultured specimens from a variety of local aquarium shops and online retailers, wholesalers, and transhippers at prices that vary on size and area of collection.

Approximate purchase sizes: Small: 1″ to 1-1/2″; Medium: 1-1/2″ to 2-1/2″; Large: 2-1/2″ to 3-1/2″; XLarge: 3-1/2″ to 5″

Prices start at $22.49 for small, to $38.99 for medium specimens from the Philippines.

Lawnmower Blenny (Salarias fasciatus)

Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallon (90+ gallons for pairs)
Aquarium Type: FOWLR or Reef
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8 – 12°, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max size: 5″
Color Form: Assorted, Green, Tan
Diet: Herbivore
Compatibility: Reef Safe
Origin: Indo Pacific
Family: Blenniidae
Lifespan: 2 – 5 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Beginner

Midas Blenny (Ecsenius midas)

The Midas Blenny (Ecsenius midas) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as Midas Goby, Midas Cleaner Blenny, Yellow Blenny, Golden Midas Blenny, Lyretail Blenny, Persian Blenny or Yellowtail Blenny is is primarily found in the Indo-Pacific region from the Gulf of Aqaba and southeast coast of Africa, to the Marquesan Islands.

Its range includes the Red Sea, East Africa, Mauritius, Reunion, Seychelles, Maldives, Andaman Islands, Philippines, Indonesia, Solomon Islands, New Guinea, Vanuatu, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa.

Adult Midas Blennies are a peaceful species that are normally observed swimming 6 to 10 feet from the bottom in the clear coastal to outer coral reef walls of their range at depths to 98 feet, where the currents are moderate to heavy, feeding on plankton.    They have a distinct eel like swimming motion that they can dispense with to mimic the swimming styles of other species they associate with.

The Midas Blenny can often be seen schooling with Lyretail Anthias (Pseudanthias squamipinnis) during their orange yellow phase.   They can quickly change color when on the bottom to swimming in open water to match the colors of the fish they mix with. as well as mimic their swimming behavior.

Midas Blennies are often found swimming with Threadfin Anthias (Pseudanthias huchtii) and Fusilier damselfish (Lepidozygus tapeinosomoa) feeding on zooplankton.

Midas Blenny (Ecsenius midas)

The Midas Blenny has an elongated, golden orange, eel like body with a splash of blue under the chin and bright, blue rimmed eyes.   They have a narrow dark margin on the anterior part of the dorsal fin and a black spot around the anus.   Adults have long, flowing tails.

Midas Blenny (Ecsenius midas)

There is an Indonesian form that has a gray to greenish golden yellow body color that is common to the area.

The Midas Blenny can be housed in a FOWLR or mature reef tank of at least 30 gallon capacity with a live sand substrate and plenty of live rock arranged into caves, crevices, ledges and overhangs for them to investigate and hide among.   They will sift through the fine particles of live sand with their comb teeth to find micro fauna.

A tight tank cover is recommended to prevent them from jumping out of the tank when startled, and a power head for moderate water movement.

The Midas Blenny does well in a mature FOWLR aquarium with other peaceful species and is an excellent candidate for reef tanks.   They will not bother corals or invertebrates.

Although they are generally non aggressive, they will nip at other gobies, firefish, and small planktivores when housed in smaller tanks.   For two or more blennies, an aquarium of 90 gallons or more is recommended to minimize confrontations.

The Midas Blenny has been bred successfully in an aquarium environment.

The Midas Blenny typically engage in distinct pairing during the spawning process.   During a brief courtship ritual, the male Midas Blenny will change its appearance dramatically by displaying vibrant colors to attract a mate.     During the spawning process, the male and female will work together to select a suitable nesting area among the rocks in a crevice.   The adhesive eggs are deposited in the nest attached to the substrate via a filamentous, adhesive pad or pedestal where the male guards them against potential threats.   After a few days the eggs hatch out into small planktonic larvae that are often found in the shallow coastal waters of their range.

In an aquarium environment, the tiny fry should be removed to a rearing tank as soon as they are visible and fed with rotifers and phytoplankton.    Daily 10% water changes are necessary until they grow out into juveniles.

In their natural environment, the Midas Blenny feeds on zooplankton.   In an aquarium environment, the Midas Blenny requires a meaty diet that includes finely chopped crustacean flesh, Mysis and vitamin enriched brine shrimp, small pieces of fresh seafood, frozen herbivorous preparations, micro, and blue green algae.

The Midas Blenny (Ecsenius midas) is widely available to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as wild caught or captive bred specimens from a variety of online retailers, wholesalers, and transhippers at prices that vary on size and area of collection.

Prices for approximate purchase sizes: Medium: 1-3/4″ to 4″; Large: 4″ to 6″ vary from $ 69.99 for medium sized African specimens to over $130.00 for large specimens.

Midas Blenny (Ecsenius midas)

Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallon (90+ gallons for pairs)
Aquarium Type: FOWLR or Reef
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 73-82° F, dKH 8 – 12°, pH 7.9-8.5, sg 1.020-1.027
Max size: 6″
Color Form: Blue, Yellow, Orange, Gray, Greenish Gold
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Reef Safe
Origin: Indo-Pacific Ocean, Africa, Indonesia, Fiji, Maldives, Red Sea
Family: Blenniidae
Lifespan: 5– 7 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Beginner

Tail Spot Blenny (Ecsenius stigmatura)

The Tail Spot Blenny (Ecsenius stigmatura) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as the Tail-spot Combtooth-blenny, Stigma Blenny, or Tailspot Coralblenny is found in the Red Sea and Western Pacific Ocean and is native to the coastal waters of the Philippines and Indonesia.

The Tail Spot Blenny is a peaceful herbivore that inhabit the rocky shores of the coral rich reefs and rubble slopes of their range at depths from 6 to 100 feet where they graze on benthic algae and weeds.

Although adult Tail Spot Blennies are solitary and usually encountered as lone individuals close to the bottom, they are occasionally seen in small groups hiding amongst the crevices in the coastal lagoons and sheltered coral reef habitats of their range.

Tail Spot Blenny (Ecsenius stigmatura)

The Tail Spot Blenny has an elongated body, very large expressive eyes that have a bright yellow iris, and a small mouth.  They have a coppery, orange brown to gray body color with a grayish blue head.   A black and yellow line runs from below the eye to above axil, and a black and white spot on the base of the caudal fin gives it their common name.

The dorsal, ventral, and caudal fins are clear.  When threatened, the vibrant colors below the eye turns a bright pink.

The Tail Spot Blenny is best housed in a mature reef or FOWLR tank of at least 20 gallon capacity with a coralline gravel substrate and plenty of algae encrusted live rock arranged into crevices, caves, ledges, and overhangs for them to graze, perch, and hide among. Sufficient lighting to promote a thriving population of algae on the live rock is essential for the well being of this species.

The Tail Spot Blenny thrives in mature reef tanks and is completely reef safe. They help control algae growing in the aquarium and will not bother corals, decorative clams, or invertebrates.

Although Tailspot Blennies are generally peaceful and will coexist with most peaceful tank mates, they can become territorial towards other blennies or similar looking fish species.

Suitable tank mates for Tail Spot Blennies include Dottybacks, Gobies, Anthias, Cardinalfish, Dwarf Angelfish, Fairy Wrasses, etc.

They should never be housed with larger aggressive species.

The Tail Spot Blenny has been bred in an aquarium environment. Successful breedings begin with the establishment of a safe, stress free environment where they can lay their adhesive eggs.

Start with a wild caught pair or with aquacultured juveniles in a tank with copious amounts of live rock.   Pairs will typically spawn in the cavities of the rock or deposit their adhesive eggs on the substrate via a filamentous, adhesive pad or pedestal.

The male Ecsenius stigmatura tends to guard and aerate the eggs by fanning them with his fins until they hatch out into small planktonic larvae that are often found in the shallow coastal waters of their range.

In an aquarium environment, the tiny fry should be removed to a rearing tank as soon as they are visible and fed with rotifers and phytoplankton. Daily 10% water changes are necessary until they grow out into juveniles.

In their natural environment, the Tail Spot Blenny feeds on benthic algae and several varieties of marine vegetation.

In an aquarium environment, they will keep down excessive algae growth in the tank but still require additional vegetable matter such as frozen herbivore preparations, dried foods containing marine and blue green algae, marine algae sheets, spirulina pellets, and finely chopped fresh or frozen vegetables.

The Tail Spot Blenny (Ecsenius stigmatura) is widely available to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as wild caught or captive bred specimens from a variety of online retailers, wholesalers, and transhippers at prices that vary on size and area of collection.

Approximate purchase sizes are:  Small: 3/4″ to 1-1/4″; Medium: 1-1/4″ to 1-3/4″; Large: 1-3/4″ to 2-1/4″.   Prices range from $29.99 for small. to $45.99 or more for large specimens collected from the Philippines.

Tail Spot Blenny (Ecsenius stigmatura)

Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallon (55+ gallons for pairs)
Aquarium Type: Reef or FOWLR
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 72-78°F, dKH 8 – 12°, pH 8.1–8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max size: 2.5″
Color Form: Blue, Black, Orange,Yellow
Diet: Herbivore
Compatibility: Reef Safe
Origin: Philippines and Indonesia
Family: Blenniidae
Lifespan: 4 – 6 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Beginner

Bundoon Blenny (Meiacanthus bundoon)

The Bundoon Blenny (Meiacanthus bundoon) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as the Meiacanthus Bundoon is native to South Pacific waters around Tonga and Fiji.

The Bundoon Blenny is a venomous yet peaceful species that is generally found swimming just above the bottom among the rocks and branching corals in the shallow rocky reefs and drop offs of their range, at depths from 3 to 70 feet, feeding on zooplankton.

Bundoon Blenny (Meiacanthus bundoon)

The Bundoon Blenny has an elongated body with a forked caudal fin, a dark olive to black body color with a vibrant, wedge shaped, orange to yellow stripe along the sides from behind the eye to the mid section of the body, green opercle and cheeks. The base and lobes of the caudal fin is black with a white to transparent central posterior area.

Males are generally larger than females and display a succession of vivid color changes when breeding.

Bundoon Blenny (Meiacanthus bundoon)

The Bundoon Blenny is a hardy species that can be housed in a well established FOWLR or mature reef aquarium of at least 30 gallon capacity, with a coralline gravel or sandy substrate, and plenty of aged live rock arranged into nooks, crevices, caves, ledges, and overhangs for them to graze and hide among.

The Bundoon Blenny has a peaceful temperament that is suitable for community tanks, however, they can become territorial towards other species that resemble their shape. They are venomous and will retaliate attacks made by other fish by biting the insides of the mouth of the attacker.

Bundoon Blennies do fine in well established aquariums with plenty of rockwork and tank space.   Unless kept as a breeding pair, only a single Meiacanthus bundoon should be housed in a 30 gallon tank.

The Bundoon Blenny is reef safe and makes a perfect candidate for a mature reef aquarium.    They are peaceful and will not bother decorative clams, invertebrates, or corals.

Although are not commonly available to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts, the Bundoon Blenny has been bred in an aquarium environment. It is best to start with a wild caught pair or aquacultured juveniles in a tank with copious amounts of live rock. Their eggs are demersal and adhesive. Pairs will typically spawn in the cavities of the rock or deposit their adhesive eggs on the substrate via a filamentous, adhesive pad or pedestal.   Both parents vigorously guard the adhesive eggs until they hatch out into small planktonic larvae that are often found in the shallow coastal waters of their range.

In an aquarium environment, the tiny fry should be removed to a rearing tank as soon as they are visible and fed with rotifers and phytoplankton. Daily 10% water changes are necessary until they grow out into juveniles.

In their natural environment, the Bundoon Blenny feeds on a variety of zooplankton.   In an aquarium environment, they are not especially picky eaters. A mixed diet of Mysis, finely chopped krill, vitamin enriched brine shrimp, chopped crustaceans, and frozen herbivore preparations will keep them healthy. Feeding several times a day is recommended.

The Bundoon Blenny (Meiacanthus bundoon) is not commonly available to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts but can be obtained as wild caught or aquacultured specimens from online retailers, wholesalers, and transhippers at prices that vary on size and area of collection.   Most specimens from Tonga are available at purchase sizes: Small: 3/4″ to 1-1/4″; Medium: 1-1/4″ to 2″; Large: 2″ to 3″. Special order small Tonga specimens start at $ 64.99.

Bundoon Blenny (Meiacanthus bundoon)

Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallon (55+ gallons for pairs)
Aquarium Type: Reef or FOWLR
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 75-82°F, dKH 8 – 12°, pH 8.1–8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max size: 3.1″
Color Form: Blue, Black, Orange, Black, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Reef Safe
Origin: Tonga, Fiji
Family: Blenniidae
Lifespan: 4 – 6 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Beginner/Experienced

Bicolor Blenny (Ecsenius bicolor)

The Bicolor Blenny (Ecsenius bicolor) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as the Two-colored Blenny or Flame-Tail Blenny is found throughout Indo Pacific waters around Fiji, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Indonesia. Its range extends from the Maldives to the Phoenix Islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands, and south to the southern Great Barrier Reef; throughout Micronesia.

The Bicolor Blenny is a solitary species that inhabits the estuaries, clear lagoons, brackish seas, and seaward reefs of their range in areas of mixed corals and algae covered rocks at depths from 3 to over 80 feet where they hide among the crevices, rocks, and abandoned tubes.

Bicolor Blenny (Ecsenius bicolor)

The Bicolor Blenny has an elongated, eel like body shape, and an expressive face with large protruding eyes and antennae that occurs in three color phases: The bicolor phase that has a black anterior body color with a yellow posterior or a blue to dull brown anterior with a dull orange posterior.

The two other phases have black dorsal areas with a broad white lateral band and a dusky belly, and a broad lateral band with or without a yellow tail.   During breeding, the males exhibit dramatic color changes that include a dark blue phase.

Males are generally larger than the less vibrantly colored females. Additionally, the anal and dorsal fins in males are

Bicolor Blenny (Ecsenius bicolor)

larger and more extended than in females.

The Bicolor Blenny is normally a peaceful acquisition when housed in a mature community FOWLR or reef aquarium of at least 30 gallon capacity with a sandy or coralline gravel substrate and a good amount of algae covered live rock arranged into crevices, caves, and overhangs for them to graze and hide among.

The Bicolor Blenny is considered reef safe in larger tanks but have been known to pick at the mantles of clams and fleshy large polyp stony corals when crowded or underfed. They rarely do any damage to stony corals or clams in larger reef setups.

In FOWLR tanks, they are highly competitive about their algal food source and have been known to pick at other blennies, gobies, dartfish and even other species like Royal Gramma and Bi color Angelfish that have similar color markings.    Some fish that get along well with the Bicolor Blenny include tangs like the Kole Tang or Mimic Tang, Butterflyfish like the Copperband Butterflyfish, and Damselfish.   Avoid Scorpionfish, groupers, lionfish, hogfish, frogfish, parrotfish, and eels like the Blue or Black Ribbon Eel that could make a meal of them.

The Bicolor Blenny has been successfully bred in an aquarium environment. Mated pairs are notorious about fighting with each other prior to breeding. Breeding is eminent when the colors in the male become more vivid and the pair disappear into a hiding spot among the porous live rock to deposit their eggs. The sticky eggs are attached to the substrate in the nest via a filamentous, adhesive pad or pedestal. Both the male and female vigorously guard the adhesive eggs until they hatch out several days later into small planktonic larvae that are often found in shallow coastal waters.

In an aquarium environment, the tiny fry should be removed to another rearing tank as soon as they are visible and fed with rotifers and phytoplankton. Daily 10% water changes are necessary until they grow out into juveniles.

In their natural environment, the Bicolor Blenny feeds on a variety of marine algae.   In an aquarium environment, they will graze on the naturally occurring micro algae in the aquarium and should be offered frozen and dried foods that contain marine and blue green algae, spirulina based flake or pellet foods, and occasionally Mysis and brine shrimp.   Small portions offered twice daily is recommended to keep them healthy.   This species will not survive without algae.

The Bicolor Blenny (Ecsenius bicolor) is commonly available to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as wild caught or aquacultured specimens from online retailers, wholesalers, and transhippers at very reasonable prices that vary on size and area of collection.

Prices for approximate purchase sizes: 1-1/4″ to 4″ at prices starting at $22.95 for small specimens.

Bicolor Blenny (Ecsenius bicolor)

Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallon (55+ gallons for pairs)
Aquarium Type: Reef or FOWLR
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8 – 12°, pH 8.1–8.4, sg 1.021-1.023
Max size: 4″
Color Form: Blue, Orange, Black, Yellow
Diet: Herbivore
Compatibility: Reef Safe
Origin: Indo Pacific
Family: Blenniidae
Lifespan: 4 – 6 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Beginner

Scooter Blenny (Synchiropus ocellatus)

The Scooter Blenny (Synchiropus ocellatus) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as the Ocellated Dragonet, Scooter dragonet, Red scooter dragonet, Red scooter blenny, Starry dragonet, or Stellate dragonet is found in the southwest Pacific Ocean from southern Japan to the Marquesan Islands.

The Scooter Blenny, actually a dragonet (not part of the blenny family) is a peaceful, bottom dwelling species that is found in coral rich areas of the shallower coastal reefs, sandy lagoons, and seaward reef slopes of their range among sandy or rubble substrates at depths to 90 feet.

The Scooter Blenny is a peaceful, solitary species that will often form loose groups or “harems”. They generally do not stake off territories and can be found over wide areas on and just off the bottom.

Like other carnivorous dragonets, the Scooter Blenny spends its day “scooting” along the bottom with its specialized, wing like pectoral fins feeding on small crustaceans, invertebrates, Copepods, zooplankton, and other micro fauna.

Scooter Blenny (Synchiropus ocellatus)

The Scooter Blenny has a leaner, more streamlined body than most other dragonets and an intricately mottled body pattern that consists of various shades of tan, brown, black or rust across the body interspersed with lighter spots, dashes, and splotches of brighter colors.

They have small expressive eyes on top of their head, sensory barbells to detect their prey, and pointed snouts with small specialized mouths to extract their food from the sand and rubble rock.

Although their overall coloration is subdued and earthy, males when confronted by other males, especially during the breeding season, will display their large bright orange dorsal fins and exhibit brighter, more vivid colors.

The much sought after red Scooter Blenny color variant in particular, is deeper and more intensely colored.

Scooter Blenny (Synchiropus ocellatus)

Males have a larger dorsal fin, are larger than females, and are generally more brightly colored.

The Scooter Blenny is a peaceful species that does best in a reef tank or FOWLR aquarium of at least 30 gallon capacity that has matured at least 6 to 8 months, with a deep live sand substrate and copious amounts of live rock arranged into caves, overhangs and crevices for them to hop around, explore, and graze from.    Moderate lighting to replicate their natural living conditions and an efficient filtration system with a good protein skimmer is necessary to maintaining stable water parameters. This species benefits greatly from a refugium sump liberally stocked with amphipods and copepods.

Because all dragonets are superb jumpers, a tight fitting cover is recommended.

Although the Scooter Blenny is generally a very peaceful fish that does well with others of their own kind, they should be introduced into the tank at the same time at a ratio of 2 to 3 females per male.

When keeping more than one male Synchiropus ocellatus or more than a single species: a larger tank of at least 55 gallon capacity with a deep layer of live sand is needed to provide the space and the food source they need to thrive.

Scooter Blennies get along well with other similarly sized, non aggressive species such as Clownfish, Lawnmower Blennies, Mandarin Gobies, Green Blennies, Watchman Gobies, Dwarf Angelfish, non predatory Invertebrates like Fire and Cleaner Shrimp, Snails, Hermit Crabs, etc. .

Avoid housing them with larger, aggressive species and Anemones that could make a meal of them.

The Scooter Blenny has been bred in an aquarium environment however, but raising the fry is extremely challenging.

Spawning usually occurs during the evening as the sun sets.   When ready to spawn, the Scooter Blenny pair will begin a courtship ritual by linking their fins together and swimming together towards the surface from above the sand.   With their fins locked, just before reaching the surface, the pair will split apart and go back to the substrate to repeat the ritual.  This can happen multiple times before the final trip to the surface that culminates in the simultaneous release of gametes. The eggs hatch around 12 to 16 hours after fertilization, and the fry usually finish absorbing their yolk sacs another 36 hours later.   The tiny Scooter Blenny fry are extremely small and require the same food as their parents.

Tisbee Pods, Rotifers, baby brine shrimp, Mysis shrimp, and other tiny, protein rich offerings can be fed to the tiny fry.

The biggest challenge is feeding the fry without fouling the water from uneaten food. You will need to perform daily 25-50% water changes without draining the micro fauna food supply that the fish need for survival from the rearing tank.

In their natural environment, Scooter Blennies are constantly foraging on small Zooplankton, amphipods, copepods and other micro fauna.

In a well established aquarium environment, their primary food source is the steady supply of live copepods and amphipods from the live sand and live rock in the aquarium and refugium.  Although live copepods provide essential nutrients and help maintain their natural foraging behavior, Tisbee Pods, Tisbe biminiensis, and supplemental offerings of frozen Zooplankton, bloodworms, glassworms, Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, marine algae, and nori can also be offered.

The Scooter Blenny (Synchiropus ocellatus) is commonly available to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as wild caught or aquacultured specimens from online retailers, wholesalers, and transhippers at reasonable prices that vary on size and area of collection.

Prices for approximate purchase sizes: Small: 1″ to 2″ $24.99; Medium: 2″ to 3″ $33.99; Large: 3″ to 5″ $39.99.

Scooter Blenny (Synchiropus ocellatus)

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Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallon (55+ gallons for multiple pairs)
Aquarium Type: Reef or FOWLR
Care Level: Difficult
Temperament: Peaceful
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy when acclimated
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8 – 12°, pH 8.1–8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Max size: 5″
Color Form: Red, White, Tan, Black
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: Reef Safe
Origin: Indonesia, Philippines
Family: Callionymidae
Lifespan: 2 – 4 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate

Bladefin Basslet (Jeboehlkia gladifer)

The Bladefin Basslet (Jeboehlkia gladifer) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as the Longspine Sea Bass is a super rare deep water species found in the western Atlantic from South Carolina to the southern Caribbean.

Frequently collected by submersibles from deep water reefs like those in Curaçao, Puerto Rico; the Bladefin Basslet is a shy, solitary, semi aggressive, deep water Planktivore that is found at depths from 350 feet to over 1,300 feet.

Although it only reaches a maximum size of about 3 inches in length, the Bladefin Basslet is highly aggressive toward its own kind and other similar looking species.   It is peaceful with small reef fish and invertebrates.

Adult Bladefin Basslet (Jeboehlkia gladifer)

The Bladefin Basslet has an elongated compressed body with a large eye, a pointed snout, and a long spike on its front dorsal fin. It has a glowing white, pinkish, to reddish pink body color with a narrow white stripe along the centerline of the head to the long spiked dorsal fin, and a broad red to orange bar across the soft dorsal and anal fins, as well as the caudal fin. The soft dorsal, anal and caudal fins are edged in white into red and the long spiked dorsal fin is white. Juveniles at 1.5 inches in length are developing their color. At 2″ in length, adult fish are fully colored with the bold dorsal fin extended.

The delicate nature and specific feeding requirements of the Bladefin Basslet make them challenging to maintain for even the most experienced aquarists.

Although the Bladefin Basslet can be housed in a nano reef setup, they are best housed in a mature deep water reef tank of at least 30 gallon capacity with a sandy substrate and copious amounts of live rock arranged into crevices, overhangs, and numerus caves for them to hide in.   They require low to moderate lighting, gentle to moderate water flow, and pristine water conditions with <5 ppm Nitrates to thrive.

Along with an excellent filtration system, protein skimmer, and aquarium chiller; frequent water changes are highly recommended to keep this fish healthy.

Bladefin Basslets can be kept singly or in a specific species display.   They are shy but active, and will thrive with small reef safe fish and invertebrates in cave rich environments.

This species has never been bred in an aquarium environment.

In their natural environment, the Bladefin Basslet feeds primarily on Zooplankton.   In an aquarium environment, they can be fed finely chopped Mysis shrimp, copepods, enriched brine shrimp, micro frozen carnivore marine blends, and micro pellets.  Multiple feedings throughout the day will enhance their coloration and reduce stress.

The Bladefin Basslet (Jeboehlkia gladifer) is recognized as the most expensive aquarium species in the hobby for its size and is the only species in the genus Jeboehlkia.

The reason for the astronomically high cost of the Bladefin Basslet is because of the incedible depths at which they occur; up to 800 feet or more.

Currently, most available specimens are being collected by licensed deep water collection teams in 500 to over 800 feet of water using specialized submersible technology and decompression protocols to safely capture the fish.

The Bladefin Basslets are conditioned to low light, stress reducing environments and held in darkroom quarantine for 14 to 21 days or more while being acclimated to captive feeding.   In addition, reputable suppliers will usually provide deep water documentation for customs compliance.

Prices from the Luxury Fish Shop for Juvenile Bladefin Basslets 1.5″ start at $8,000.00; Adults up to 2″ are currently $10,500.00 or more.

Bladefin Basslet (Jeboehlkia gladifer)

Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallon
Aquarium Type: Deepwater Reef
Care Level: Difficult
Temperament: Semi Aggressive
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy when acclimated
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8 – 12°, pH 8.1–8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Max size: 1.5″ to 2″
Color Form: White, Red
Diet: Carnivore/Planktivore
Compatibility: Reef Safe
Origin: Western Atlantic Ocean; Curaçao, Puerto Rico
Family: Serranidae
Lifespan: 5–10 years in stable, low stress aquariums
Aquarist Experience Level: Expert

Ruby Red Dragonet (Synchiropus sycorax)

The Ruby Red Dragonet (Synchiropus sycorax) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as the Ruby Dragonet, Moyer’s Dragonet, and Red Wine Scooter Dragonet is only found around Jolo Island within the Sulu Peninsula in the Philippines.

The Ruby Red Dragonet is a deep water dragonet that is found alone, in pairs, and occasionally in small loose groups around soft and stony corals, coral rubble, and broken rocks that they use as retreats in depths to 125 feet or more.

Ruby Red Dragonet (Synchiropus sycorax)

The Ruby Red Dragonet is a beautiful, vibrantly colored species that has a bright crimson red body color with yellow colorations around the pectoral and ventral fins, white dashes around the head, and smaller white dashes over the body. Males have large dorsal fins with a long first spine. Females are smaller with a black to dark blue splotch on the first dorsal.

The Redback Dragonet (Synchiropus tudorjonesi) found around Cenderawasih Bay in Indonesia is occasionally misidentified as the Ruby Dragonet however, the Redback Dragonet has no yellow on their fins and the third spine on their dorsal fins extend the highest.

The Ruby Red Dragonet is only found in the Philippines.

The Ruby Red Dragonet is a peaceful species that does best in an aged reef tank that has matured at least 6 to 8 months, of at least 30 gallon capacity, with a deep live sand substrate and copious amounts of live rock arranged into caves, overhangs and crevices for them to hop around, explore, hide among, and graze from.   This species benefits greatly from a refugium sump well stocked with amphipods and copepods. Because all dragonets are superb jumpers, a tight fitting cover is recommended.

When keeping more than one male Synchiropus sycorax or more than one species: a larger tank of at least 55 gallon capacity with a good thick layer of live sand is recommended to provide the space and the food source they need.

Although Ruby Red Dragonets are very peaceful fish and get along with others of their own kind, the fish should be introduced into the tank at the same time at a ratio of 2 to 3 females per male to prevent spats between the males, especially during spawning.

Ruby Red Dragonets do get territorial when kept with blennies, gobies and dartfish, especially if they feel crowded. The Ruby Red Dragonet will get along well with other species as long as they are not aggressive or overly competitive. Potential tankmates include chromis, tilefish, jawfish, tangs, angelfish, wrasses, puffers, flame hawkfish, and rabbitfish.

Although Red Ruby Dragonets make excellent reef fish, take care when keeping them with sea anemones in reef tanks. They are small, too trusting, and often end up as food for the anemone.

The Red Ruby Dragonet has been bred in an aquarium environment as well as commercially.

Males and females are about the same size but males are more colorful and have a more prominent first dorsal fin.   A short courtship that usually happens after the sun goes down initiates the spawning process where both the male and female swim towards the surface with locked fins.   At the surface the pair release their gametes.   The buoyant eggs are pelagic and float in open water until they hatch out into small larvae.

The larvae are smaller than Red Scooter Blennies (Synchiropus ocellatus) or Brown Scooter Blennies (Synchiropus stellatus) and develop more slowly, which makes breeding them in an aquarium environment somewhat complicated.     The fertility rate is low, partially because it takes 20 to 25 days for the small larvae to metamorphose and caring for the larvae is demanding,

Fortunately, ORA offers captive bred lines to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts.

In their natural habitat, Red Ruby Dragonets walk on their ventral fins throughout the day hunting for amphipods and copepods.

In an aquarium environment their deliberate, slow moving feeding habits and specialized diet makes them somewhat difficult to keep.   They will not convert to a commercial diet which is why their tank must be furnished with mature live sand, live rock, AND a refugium that is well stocked with amphipods and copepods. They require copious amounts of live Tisbee Pods to keep them healthy and prevent them from wasting away.

Tisbe biminiensis and supplemental offerings of bloodworms, glass worms, Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, marine algae, and nori can also be offered.

The Ruby Red Dragonet (Synchiropus sycorax) is available to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts upon request as wild caught and aquacultured specimens from online retailers, wholesalers, and transhippers. Prices for approximate purchase sizes: 1/2″ to 2-1/2″ range from $ 49.99 – $64.99 or more

Ruby Red Dragonet (Synchiropus sycorax)

Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallon (55+ gallons for pairs)
Aquarium Type: Reef
Care Level: Difficult
Temperament: Peaceful
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy when acclimated
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8 – 12°, pH 8.1–8.4, sg 1.023-1.026
Max size: 2.8″
Color Form: Red, White, Yellow
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: Reef Safe
Origin: Jolo Island, Philippines
Family: Callionymidae
Lifespan: 4 – 6 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Expert