Ecsenius stigmatura

Identification	Small, slender blenny with a creamy tan body marked with fine blue-white horizontal dashes and streaks. A prominent black spot at the base of the tail fin is the defining identification feature. Large, mobile eyes and a small comb-like mouth for grazing.
Maximum Length	2.5 inches (6 cm)
Origin	Western Pacific — Philippines, Indonesia, Palau
Minimum Tank Size	20 gallons
Reef Compatibility	Yes — generally reef safe; may nip at clam mantles or SPS polyp tips if underfed

Behavior

A personable and entertaining fish with a large personality for its size. Spends most of its time perched on rocks, coral rubble, or glass, propped up on its pectoral fins. Grazes almost constantly on microalgae. Non-aggressive except toward other blennies or similar small bottom-dwellers in tight quarters. One of the best algae controllers for smaller reef and nano systems. Will not bother most invertebrates when kept well-fed.

Diet & Feeding

Primarily herbivorous. Will graze continuously on microalgae, cyano, and diatoms growing on rockwork and glass. Supplement with dried seaweed (nori) on a clip, algae-based flake, spirulina pellets, and algae wafers. Accepts frozen mysis and brine shrimp as supplemental protein a few times weekly.