Bicolor Blenny (Ecsenius bicolor)
The bicolor blenny (Ecsenius bicolor) is an interesting little marine bottom-dwelling fish.
This fish is called the bicolor blenny because its front half is blue to brownish in color and its back half is yellow or orange.
It belongs to the family Blenniidae. All members of this family have small projections protruding from their heads called cirri.
Bicolor blennies are from the Indo-Pacific where they feed on marine algae.
They are small fish, reaching only about 3.5-4 inches (9-10 cm) in length. They are generally peaceful, but do not get along well with other bottom-dwelling fish or other members of their species because these blennies can be territorial. However, a compatible male-female pair can usually be kept together successfully.
Likewise don't keep them with large aggressive fish either.
Unfortunately, sexing bicolor blennies can be difficult. Males are reported to be a little larger and perhaps more colorful, especially at breeding time.
During spawning male bicolor blennies exhibit color changes. However, spawning is rare in captivity.
You should provide your bicolor blenny with pleny of live rock for hiding places. All fish like to have hiding places, but the bottom-dwelling fish REALLY like them. Bicolor blennies spend a good portion of their time hiding in caves and rock crevices with only their head sticking out. They also like to rest on the bottom of the aquarium.
Watch the short You Tube video below to see some more general care tips for the bicolor blenny.
It is very important that you have marine algae growing in their tank, otherwise they may not survive. In addition to the algae that MUST be growing in their tank, also feed them dried and frozen preparations for marine fish.
They generally sell for about $10-20; each. They are cute fish that are well worth their price.