Saltcorner
By Bob Goemans
By Bob Goemans
Likely Reef Tank Suitable
Likely Fish-Only Tank Suitable
Range: Pacific Ocean: Micronesia, Gilbert Islands, Rotuma, and Samoa.
Size: 2 inches (5 cm)
Natural Environment: Inhabits coral rich reefs in lagoons and on seaward reefs and usually found at depths between 15 – 100 feet (5 – 30 m) where it feeds mostly on algae.
General Husbandry: Rarely seen in the trade and usually having a whitish body with two lengthwise reddish lines and sometimes several vertical body bars.
Can be maintained in either fish-only or reef aquariums having rocky areas with caves/crevices to hide/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: 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
