Smooth-Fin Blenny (Ecsenius frontalis)
Fish in the family Blenniidae. Moderate care. Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
Ecsenius frontalis is a small blenny with a streamlined body and smooth dorsal fin (lacking the spiny anterior differentiation seen in many blennies). Coloration is typically brownish to tan with subtle mottling or banding patterns that provide camouflage in reef environments. The head is proportionally large with well-developed eyes and distinctive facial characteristics typical of the genus.
Diet and feeding
In captivity, feed a varied diet of small frozen foods such as copepods, amphipods, mysis shrimp, and small pellets. Supplement with vegetable matter occasionally (nori, spirulina flakes). Feed once or twice daily in small amounts.
Difficulty and care for the Smooth-Fin Blenny
Moderate difficulty. While hardy once acclimated, Ecsenius frontalis requires stable water conditions, a well-established reef aquarium with adequate micro-habitat, and a varied diet of small foods to thrive long-term.
Common health issues
Parasitic infections (particularly Ichthyophthirius), bacterial infections, malnutrition if diet is inadequate
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, East Africa, and extending to the Central Pacific. Found in coral reef environments across a wide geographic distribution.
Log Smooth-Fin Blenny in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Smooth-Fin Blenny alongside everything else in your reef.
