Midas Blenny
Ecsenius midas
The Midas Blenny is one of the most captivating members of the blenny family, instantly recognisable by its luminous golden-yellow to orange colouration, expressive blue-rimmed eyes and elongated, streamlined body. Its elegant, lyre-shaped tail and flowing swimming movements make it a particularly eye-catching addition to a reef aquarium.
Unlike many blennies that spend most of their time perched on rockwork, the Midas Blenny is an enthusiastic open-water swimmer. It moves through the aquarium with a distinctive, almost eel-like motion, often hovering in the water column before retreating backwards into a favourite hole or crevice.
Native to the tropical Indo-Pacific, this fascinating species is known for its remarkable ability to change colouration and mimic the appearance and swimming behaviour of anthias. Its colours can vary from brilliant gold and warm orange to more muted brownish or greyish tones depending on its surroundings and behaviour.
Curious and full of personality, the Midas Blenny often becomes a confident aquarium resident, watching activity outside the glass from its favourite lookout and eagerly emerging at feeding time.
Generally peaceful towards unrelated fish, it can become territorial towards other blennies or similarly shaped species. With plenty of rockwork, open swimming space and a varied diet, the Midas Blenny makes a rewarding and colourful addition to an established reef aquarium.
Feeding Notes
Unlike many other blennies, the Midas Blenny feeds predominantly on zooplankton in the wild rather than grazing extensively on algae.
Provide a varied, protein-rich diet of frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, finely chopped marine seafood and high-quality marine pellets or flakes. Small amounts of spirulina-based foods or other suitable marine vegetable preparations can be included for additional nutritional variety.
Feed small portions two or three times daily where practical, particularly for active individuals that spend considerable time swimming and feeding in the water column.
Midas Blennies are often enthusiastic feeders once established, but newly introduced specimens may initially remain close to their chosen shelter. Ensure they are receiving sufficient food without competition from larger or more aggressive fish.
Important: The Midas Blenny should not be purchased primarily for algae control. Although it may occasionally consume algae-based foods, its natural diet relies heavily on zooplankton and other small animal prey.
Aquarium Setup Notes
Provide a mature, stable marine aquarium of at least 150 litres with established rockwork, sheltered crevices and plenty of open swimming space.
Unlike many bottom-dwelling blennies, the Midas Blenny spends considerable time swimming in the water column. A well-balanced aquascape should therefore offer both open areas for swimming and secure rock retreats for resting and sleeping.
These fish particularly appreciate narrow holes and crevices into which they can retreat backwards, often leaving only their head visible as they observe the surrounding aquarium.
Moderate, varied water movement is suitable, with sheltered areas available away from strong, direct currents. Lighting can follow the requirements of other reef inhabitants, provided shaded retreats are available.
A secure, tight-fitting aquarium lid or mesh cover is essential. Midas Blennies are capable jumpers, particularly when startled or chased by other fish. Check for gaps around equipment, cables and overflow systems.
Compatibility Notes
Midas Blennies are generally peaceful towards unrelated marine fish and can be excellent inhabitants of community reef aquariums. Suitable tankmates include clownfish, cardinalfish, peaceful wrasses and other non-aggressive marine species.
However, they can become territorial towards other blennies and fish with similar body shapes or overlapping shelter requirements. In particular, some individuals may chase or nip shy dartfish, firefish and gobies.
Best kept singly in most home aquariums. Multiple Midas Blennies may compete aggressively for territory unless the aquarium is sufficiently large and the individuals are compatible.
Avoid excessively aggressive tankmates that may intimidate the Midas Blenny or compete for its preferred hiding places.
Reef safe: Midas Blennies do not normally damage corals, anemones or ornamental reef invertebrates and are suitable for established mixed reef aquariums.
Provide plenty of rockwork, multiple hiding places and sufficient swimming space to minimise territorial disputes and encourage natural behaviour.