Midas Blenny - Escenius midas

Midas Blenny (Ecsenius midas)

The Midas Blenny, Ecsenius midas, is a bright, active and highly charismatic marine blenny, admired for its rich golden-yellow to orange colouration, blue eyes and eel-like swimming movement. Also known as the Golden Blenny, Lyretail Blenny or Persian Blenny, this species is more open-water active than many other blennies and is often seen swimming above the rockwork rather than only perching in crevices. Hardy, reef safe and full of personality, it is a brilliant choice for mature marine aquariums with peaceful tank mates, good rockwork and a secure covered lid.

Common Name:
Midas Blenny, Golden Blenny, Lyretail Blenny, Persian Blenny, Yellow Blenny.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Ecsenius midas

Maximum Size:
Up to around 13 cm, though many aquarium specimens are usually closer to 10–12 cm.

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Found widely across the Indo-Pacific, including the Red Sea, East Africa, the Indian Ocean and tropical Pacific reef regions through to the Marquesas Islands. In the wild, Midas Blennies inhabit coral reefs, clear coastal reef areas and outer reef walls, usually where water movement is moderate. They often swim above the reef feeding on plankton and may shelter quickly in holes, crevices or coral branches when threatened.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–27°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Hardness or Salinity: SG 1.020–1.025

Temperament:
Peaceful to mildly territorial. Midas Blennies are generally suitable for peaceful and moderately active marine communities, but they may defend a favourite cave, hole or section of rockwork. They can sometimes show territorial behaviour towards similar-shaped blennies, gobies or small fish that occupy the same area. Best kept as a single specimen unless the aquarium is very large and compatibility has been carefully planned.

Diet:
Planktivore with omnivorous tendencies. Unlike many algae-focused blennies, the Midas Blenny feeds heavily on plankton in the wild and should be offered a varied diet with plenty of small meaty foods. Feed frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brineshrimp, cyclops, copepod-based foods, finely chopped marine foods, quality marine flakes and small pellets. Spirulina-based foods and occasional algae-based foods can also be offered as part of a varied diet.

Minimum Tank Size:
A practical minimum of around 150–200 litres is recommended for a single specimen, with larger aquariums preferred for mixed reef communities. Provide mature rockwork, caves, crevices, open swimming space and moderate water movement.

Behaviour & Activity:
A lively and expressive blenny that often swims in a flowing, eel-like motion through the water column before retreating to a chosen hole or crevice. It is usually more active in open water than many other blennies and may mimic the swimming style of anthias or other planktivorous reef fish. Once settled, it often becomes bold, visible and highly interactive. A secure lid is essential, as Midas Blennies can jump when startled.

Reef Safe:
Reef Safe
Midas Blennies are considered reef safe and do not normally nip corals, clam mantles or sessile invertebrates. They are suitable for reef aquariums, fish-only systems and peaceful marine communities. They may perch on rockwork or coral skeletons, but they are not normally considered a coral-damaging species.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Best kept in a mature aquarium with plenty of hiding places and peaceful tank mates. Although hardy once settled, this species should not be housed with aggressive fish that may prevent it from feeding confidently. Provide several caves or crevices so the blenny can establish a secure retreat. Unlike Lawnmower or Algae Blennies, this species should not be purchased primarily for algae control, as it is much more plankton-feeding in nature. Regular feeding and a varied diet are important for maintaining colour, body condition and activity.

Suitable for:
Beginner to Intermediate fishkeepers

Availability:
Regularly available in the marine aquarium trade / Availability can vary depending on size, colour, supplier and import season

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.