Saltcorner
By Bob Goemans
By Bob Goemans
Likely Reef Tank Suitable
Likely Fish-Only Tank Suitable
Range: Indo-West Pacific Ocean: Philippines, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, south to Northern Australia, and the Solomon Islands.
Size: 2 inches (5 cm)
Natural Environment: Inhabits lagoon areas rich in corals and usually found at depths between 3 – 40 feet (1 – 12 m) where it feeds mostly on algae.
General Husbandry: Occasionally seen in the trade and sometimes seen in either of two forms – yellow body, blue head and yellow iris; and the Dusky form, pale blue-white iris, yellow back and tail. Both have black anal spot.
Can be maintained in either fish-only or reef aquariums having rocky areas with caves and holes to hide and rest in when needing to do so, and if feasible, containing heavy growths of algae that it can dine on.
Tankmates must be peaceful, as even moderately aggressive tankmates will prevent this species from getting its share of the food when available.
Requires a diet high in vegetable matter, and if sufficient aquarium algae is not present, its diet must be supplemented with vegetable matter including frozen and dried foods containing ‘marine’ algae and especially Spirulina algae. It should be fed as often as necessary to maintain its health.
Taxonomy:
Order: Perciformes
Suborder: Blennioidei
Family: Blenniidae
Genus: Ecsenius
FYI: Known to nip fleshy corals and clams, which may make it use in some reef aquariums somewhat risky.
Unless there is a sufficient amount of greens this fish will slowly waste away.
One per aquarium.
A good jumper, so you may need a covered tank.
Experience Level: Beginner
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Herbivore
Coral Safe: With caution
Fish Safe: Yes
Invertebrate Safe: With caution
Acclimation Time: 30 minutes+
Aquarium Environment: Reef or fish-only aquarium
Tankmates: Peaceful
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Temperature Range: 72 - 82°F (22 – 27°C)
Specific Gravity: 1.020 - 1.026
pH: 8.0 - 8.5
