Furry Diary

Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Tailspot Blenny

Ecsenius stigmatura

Also called Tailspot coralblenny, Tail-spot blenny

SpeciesShort profile

From Western Pacific: the Philippines and Indonesia12

At a glance the quick version

Length6 to 6.4 cm123
Sizetiny
Very small, good for smaller reef tanks
Big eyes and a comical face
Grazes algae from rock
3

Looks how to spot one

Small combtooth blenny

A tiny blenny that ranges from grey to coppery brown-orange, with a blue-grey head, yellow eyes and a yellow line below the eye. Its trademark is a dark spot at the base of the tail.123

Coloursgreycopper to brown-orangeblue-grey headyellow lineblack tail spot12

Personality what they are like

Peaceful and shy at first; it does best without boisterous tank mates that might keep it hiding.3

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Spends its time perching in and around rocky crevices.3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Provide plenty of live rock to graze on and to hide in.3

Home where they are happiest

Minimum about 10 US gallons (38 L), reef safe. Saltwater at about 22 to 26 °C, pH 8.1 to 8.4, dKH 8 to 12, specific gravity 1.020 to 1.025. Wild fish live in coastal lagoons and sheltered coral reefs at 2 to 30 m.31

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Herbivore. Offer algae and vegetable-based foods alongside what it grazes from the rock.31

Company who they like around

Found singly or in small groups in the wild.1

The story where it all began

Henry Weed Fowler described the species in 1952. It belongs to the combtooth blenny genus Ecsenius and turns up now and then in the aquarium trade.2

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Its name comes from the dark spot at the base of its tail.2

  2. 2

    The colours below its eye can turn bright pink when it feels threatened.2

  3. 3

    At about 6 cm it is one of the smaller blennies kept in aquariums.1

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List
Least Concern (assessed 2009)1

The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you

A typical home-care rhythm for a Tailspot Blenny. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.

Tell me when it launches

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Tailspot Blenny?

Furry Diary's starting plan is to feed small amounts once or twice a day. As an herbivore, it will also graze on algae from live rock. For exact amounts, check the food label and consult your vet.31 Furry Diary plan

What does a Tailspot Blenny eat, and what should it never eat?

It is an herbivore, so offer algae and vegetable-based foods alongside what it grazes from the rock. There is no specific list of foods to avoid in the facts, so ask your vet or a good breeder for guidance on what to never feed.31

How much space does a Tailspot Blenny need?

A minimum of about 10 US gallons (38 L) is recommended, and the tank should be reef safe with plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding.31

What temperature, light or water does a Tailspot Blenny need?

Keep saltwater at 22 to 26 °C, pH 8.1 to 8.4, dKH 8 to 12, and specific gravity 1.020 to 1.025. Light needs are not specified, but moderate lighting is typical for reef tanks. Check with your vet for exact light requirements.31

How often should I clean a Tailspot Blenny's home?

Furry Diary's plan suggests a weekly glass clean and a 10 to 20% water change every two weeks. Also test water weekly and top up evaporation daily with fresh RO water. Furry Diary plan

Can a Tailspot Blenny live with others?

It is peaceful and shy, so it does best without boisterous tank mates. In the wild it is found singly or in small groups, so it can live with others if they are not aggressive.31

How long does a Tailspot Blenny live?

Lifespan is not provided in the facts. It varies by care and environment, so ask your vet or a good breeder for an estimate.

Can I handle a Tailspot Blenny?

It is a shy fish, so handling is not recommended to avoid stress. For specific advice on handling, ask your vet.3

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.

  1. FishBase: Ecsenius stigmatura fishbase.seused for distribution, size, depth, habitat, colours, IUCN
  2. Wikipedia: Ecsenius stigmatura en.wikipedia.orgused for appearance, colour display, history
  3. LiveAquaria: Tail Spot Blenny liveaquaria.comused for care, tank size, water parameters, diet
  4. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  8. RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.