Yellow Tail Midas Blenny

Aquarium Requirements

Minimum Tank Size: 115 litres (30 US gallons)

Temperature: 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)

pH: 8.1–8.4

Specific Gravity (Salinity): 1.020–1.025

Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH

Ammonia & Nitrite: 0 ppm

Nitrate:< 10 ppm

Aquascape:
Provide plentiful live rock with natural crevices and caves for shelter and resting. Although this blenny frequently swims in open mid-water, it also appreciates safe retreats within the rockwork. Moderate water flow and high water quality are essential. The aquarium should be securely covered — Ecsenius flavipes is an occasional jumper, particularly when startled or competing for territory.

Diet and Feeding

The Yellowtail Midas Blenny is omnivorous, feeding in the wild on a combination of planktonic matter, algae, and detritus. In captivity, it accepts a broad variety of foods and is not a picky eater.

Recommended Foods:

• Frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped krill

• Marine omnivore flakes and pellets

• Spirulina- and algae-based diets to support digestive health and coloration

• Occasional live foods such as copepods for enrichment

Feed 2–3 times daily in small portions. Offer a mixture of meaty and plant-based foods to promote long-term health and vivid coloration.

Temperament and Compatibility

The Yellowtail Midas Blenny is generally peaceful, though it can display territorial behaviour toward other blennies or fish of similar shape or niche, especially in smaller tanks. Once established, it is confident, sociable, and often interacts curiously with aquarists.

Suitable Tankmates:

• Clownfish, gobies, cardinalfish, anthias, firefish, and small wrasses

• Peaceful invertebrates and reef species

Avoid:

• Aggressive or territorial fish (dottybacks, large wrasses, triggers)

• Other blennies or bottom-dwelling species in small aquariums unless ample territory and rockwork are provided

Reef Compatibility

✅ Reef Safe

The Yellowtail Midas Blenny is completely reef safe and poses no threat to corals, clams, or invertebrates. It may occasionally perch on coral bases or rockwork but will not cause damage. Its planktonic feeding habits make it an excellent addition to mixed reef aquariums.

Additional Information

Maximum Size: 12–13 cm (4.5–5 inches)

Lifespan: 5–7 years in captivity

Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate (hardy but requires stable conditions)

Natural Behaviour: Free-swimming, perching, inquisitive, territorial around preferred shelter sites

Origin: Indo-Pacific – Maldives, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Great Barrier Reef

Colouration: Golden to orange body fading into a brilliant blue or violet tail; some individuals show subtle horizontal iridescence; colour intensity varies with mood and lighting

Summary

The Yellowtail Midas Blenny (Ecsenius flavipes) is a stunning, reef-safe species admired for its graceful swimming style, vibrant coloration, and lively personality. It thrives in well-established reef aquariums with ample rockwork and stable water conditions. Combining the activity of open-water fish with the charm of a perch-dwelling blenny, the Yellowtail Midas Blenny is an excellent choice for aquarists seeking a colourful, interactive, and hardy reef inhabitant.