Midas Blenny - Ecsenius midas – Top Shelf Aquatics

Midas Blenny - Ecsenius midas

Medium (2.25-3.5")

$99.99

Midas Blenny - Ecsenius midas

$99.99

Goes well with:

Ecsenius midas

Care Level Easy

Temperament Peaceful

Reef Safe Yes

Max Size 5 inches

Tank Size 30 gallons

Diet Omnivore

Common Name Midas Blenny

Origin Maldives

Food

Pellets Mysis Algae Flakes

Tags

Blenny Reef Safe Omnivore

Diet & Feeding

Midas Blennies are omnivorous with a preference for a varied diet. In captivity, they should be fed a mix of high-quality marine flakes or pellets, supplemented with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp and mysis shrimp. Incorporating spirulina and algae-based foods helps meet their nutritional needs. Feeding small amounts 2-3 times daily ensures they receive adequate nutrition without overloading the tank's filtration system.

Behavior

The Midas Blenny is an agile swimmer, often gliding gracefully through the water column. It exhibits social behavior, frequently interacting with other non-aggressive species. While generally peaceful, it may display territorial behavior if threatened, especially in smaller tanks. It is known for its ability to adapt to various tank mates, making it compatible with a wide range of fish, provided they are not overly aggressive. Its vibrant coloration and active nature make it a popular choice for community aquariums.

FAQs

My Midas Blenny keeps changing color from bright yellow to a dull brownish or even bluish tone. Is this normal, and what does each color usually mean?

Color change is very common in Midas Blennies and usually reflects mood, environment, and hierarchy rather than disease. Bright yellow or golden: typically a relaxed, confident fish in good health. Darker, brownish/mottled: often seen when stressed, newly introduced, or when trying to blend with rockwork for security. Bluish or more subdued gold with a dark back: frequently seen in males displaying or when asserting territory. Sudden, blotchy paling with clamped fins, heavy breathing, or hiding can indicate acute stress or illness (check for aggression, water quality, and parasites). If the fish eats well, swims normally, and only shifts coloration with different situations (feeding, lights on/off, new tankmates), it is usually normal physiological color change.

My Midas Blenny has started harassing new fish, especially small wrasses and firefish. How can I manage its aggression without removing it from the tank?

Midas Blennies can become territorial, especially in smaller tanks or when they feel they “own” a specific cave. To manage aggression: 1) Upgrade or ensure at least ~40–50 gallons with plenty of rockwork and multiple caves so newcomers can avoid direct line of sight. 2) Rearrange rocks and decorations right before adding new fish to reset territories. 3) Add new, similarly sized or slightly larger tankmates rather than very timid, slender fish that resemble the blenny’s body shape (dartfish, firefish, some wrasses). 4) Feed small, frequent portions of varied foods to reduce food-guarding behavior. 5) Temporarily confine the Midas in an acclimation box inside the tank when introducing new fish; after a few days, release it so hierarchy re-establishes more gently. If severe aggression continues, long-term separation or rehoming might be needed.

My Midas Blenny keeps swimming in the water column like an anthias instead of perching on rocks like other blennies. Is my tank setup wrong for it?

That behavior is completely typical for this species. Unlike many bottom-perching blennies, Midas Blennies are midwater hoverers and spend a lot of time in open water, especially near their chosen bolt-hole. To keep it comfortable: provide at least one snug cave or crevice where it can retreat quickly, preferably near moderate flow (they enjoy hanging in currents). Use a tight-fitting lid or mesh top, as this open-water swimming style is associated with a higher risk of jumping when startled. A longer tank (more horizontal swimming room) is ideal. As long as it has a secure retreat and is eating, this midwater “anthias-like” swimming is expected and healthy.

I want to keep a group of Midas Blennies for more natural behavior. Can they be kept in multiples, and if so, how should I stock and arrange the tank?

Keeping more than one can work, but it requires planning and space. In small tanks, multiple Midas Blennies almost always fight. For groups, aim for a tank 4 feet or longer (75+ gallons) with heavy rockwork and multiple caves spread across the tank. Introduce them all at the same time as small, juvenile individuals from the same supplier when possible, which reduces territorial disputes. Avoid mixing obviously larger and smaller individuals to reduce bullying. Watch for one fish relentlessly chasing another; if one fish is forced to hide constantly, the group is not stable and the bullied fish should be removed. In many home tanks, a single specimen remains the most reliable option; groups are best attempted only by experienced keepers with large systems and the ability to separate individuals if needed.

My Midas Blenny is eating less, has a slightly pinched-in belly, but still comes out to swim. What specific diet and feeding routine does it need to keep it robust and colorful?

Midas Blennies are active planktivores and burn a lot of energy, so they do best with small, frequent, high-quality feedings rather than a single large one. Aim for 2–3 feedings per day. Prioritize: 1) Frozen foods such as enriched brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, finely chopped marine mix, and copepod-based blends. 2) High-quality marine pellets or flakes with significant marine protein content (fish, krill, squid) rather than mostly terrestrial fillers. 3) Occasional additions of vitamin- and HUFA-enriched foods (e.g., foods soaked in Selcon or similar) to support color and immune health. They are not strict algae grazers like some blennies, so do not rely on film algae as a main food source. If its belly remains pinched despite good food variety, check for internal parasites (stringy white feces, progressive weight loss) and consider a medicated food regimen in a separate tank if indicated.

You will receive a fish SIMILAR in design and size to the fish in the photo. This is NOT a WYSIWYG fish.

Midas Blenny (Ecsenius midas)

The Midas Blenny is a vibrant, golden-yellow reef fish known for its smooth, eel-like swimming style and bold personality. Often sporting hints of blue around the eyes and sometimes transitioning to darker shades along the body, this blenny adds both color and character to reef aquariums. Their inquisitive nature and unique movement make them a captivating addition to any setup.

Tank Requirements

Midas Blennies thrive in aquariums of 30 gallons or more, with plenty of rockwork for hiding and exploring. They enjoy a mix of open swimming space and crevices where they can retreat when startled. A secure lid is recommended, as they may jump, especially in response to sudden changes in lighting or tank activity.

Active and Expressive

Unlike many blennies that stay close to the rocks, the Midas Blenny often swims freely in the water column, mimicking the behavior of an anthias. They’re curious and alert, frequently watching and interacting with tankmates and their environment. Their darting, fluid swimming style gives them a unique presence in the tank.

Diet and Feeding

Midas Blennies are omnivores, but lean more toward carnivorous diets in captivity. Feed a mix of mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, and high-quality frozen or pellet foods. They will also nibble on algae and graze around the tank, making them helpful for light algae control.

Tankmates and Behavior

Generally peaceful, Midas Blennies get along well with most community reef fish. However, they may become territorial toward other blennies or similarly shaped fish in smaller tanks. In larger reef aquariums, they tend to be more sociable and outgoing. They are considered reef-safe with corals and inverts.

Tags: Beginner Fish Blenny Reef Safe