Midas Blenny
The Midas Blenny (Ecsenius midas) is a colourful and charismatic marine fish known for its rich golden-yellow body, blue-rimmed eyes and subtle blue shading beneath the chin. Its long, streamlined body moves through the water with an unusual eel-like swimming motion, giving this blenny plenty of personality and visual appeal.
Unlike many blennies that spend most of their time perched on rockwork, the Midas Blenny is an active open-water swimmer. It will also regularly retreat backwards into caves and narrow rock crevices, often leaving only its head visible while it watches the aquarium.
Why Choose a Midas Blenny?
- Brilliant golden-yellow colouration
- Striking blue-rimmed eyes
- Entertaining eel-like swimming style
- Active and highly visible in the aquarium
- Generally safe with corals and invertebrates
- Hardy once established
- Full of personality
- Suitable for established reef aquariums
Aquarium Requirements
Provide an established marine aquarium of at least 115 litres, although a larger aquarium is strongly recommended. The Midas Blenny is more active than many other blenny species and benefits from plenty of open swimming room.
Include substantial rockwork with caves, holes and narrow crevices where the fish can perch, sleep and retreat when startled. A secure aquarium lid is also recommended.
Temperament and Compatibility
The Midas Blenny is generally peaceful with dissimilar community fish but may become territorial in smaller aquariums. It can occasionally chase small open-water fish or nip at peaceful gobies and firefish.
Avoid keeping it with other Midas Blennies or similar-looking blenny species unless the aquarium is particularly large and provides clearly separated territories.
A larger aquarium with adequate swimming space and multiple hiding areas can help reduce territorial behaviour.
Reef Compatibility
The Midas Blenny is considered reef safe and will not normally damage corals or ornamental invertebrates. This makes it an excellent option for established mixed reef aquariums.
Unlike dedicated algae-grazing blennies, the Midas Blenny should not be purchased primarily for algae control.
Feeding
Midas Blennies require a varied diet with a strong emphasis on small meaty foods. Suitable options include:
- Frozen mysis shrimp
- Vitamin-enriched brine shrimp
- Finely chopped crustacean meat
- Quality marine pellets
- Marine flakes
- Frozen omnivore preparations
- Spirulina and algae-based foods
Feed small portions once or twice daily. A varied diet will help maintain strong colouration, healthy weight and consistent activity.
Care Information
Scientific Name: Ecsenius midas
Common Names: Midas Blenny, Golden Blenny, Persian Blenny
Care Level: Intermediate
Temperament: Generally peaceful but potentially territorial
Reef Safe: Yes
Minimum Aquarium Size: Approximately 115 litres
Maximum Size: Approximately 13cm
Diet: Planktivore and omnivore
Placement: Open swimming space with ample rockwork
Suitable For: Established marine and reef aquariums
With its vivid golden colour, unusual swimming behaviour and bold personality, the Midas Blenny is an outstanding feature fish for an established reef aquarium.
