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Tailspot Blenny

Ecsenius stigmatura — A nano reef gem. Small enough for 10-gallon systems, with a bold personality, distinctive tail-spot marking, and a useful appetite for nuisance algae.

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Quick Care Reference

Scientific NameEcsenius stigmatura
TemperamentPeaceful
Reef Safe✅ Yes
Minimum Tank Size10 gallons
DietHerbivore – microalgae, nori, spirulina
Care LevelEasy
Adult Size2.5 inches

Why the Tailspot Blenny Is Popular

The Tailspot Blenny’s appeal is straightforward: it’s tiny, beautiful, reef safe, and genuinely useful. At just 2.5 inches, it fits comfortably in nano reefs where most blennies can’t go. The bold black spot at the base of its tail gives it a distinctive, eye-catching look. As an algae grazer, it works through film algae and diatoms methodically — a real asset in small tanks where algae can quickly become a problem. At $32.99, it’s a nano reef staple.

Best Tank Setup

The Tailspot Blenny thrives in tanks as small as 10 gallons, provided there’s adequate live rock for grazing and claiming a perch spot. It appreciates caves and small holes to retreat into. Like all blennies, a tight-fitting lid is a must. In larger tanks, it will simply occupy a specific zone and become a reliable part of the cleanup crew.

Feeding Guide

An enthusiastic grazer, the Tailspot Blenny feeds on film algae, diatoms, and microalgae growing on live rock and glass. Once the tank’s natural algae is reduced, supplement with nori sheets on a clip, spirulina flakes, and algae-based pellets. Feed at least once daily. Its small size means it has modest food requirements, but consistent feeding is still important for long-term health.

Compatibility

Extremely peaceful — one of the best nano reef community fish available. It coexists with clownfish, cardinals, small gobies, dartfish, and essentially any non-aggressive tankmate. May show mild territorial behavior toward other blennies in very small tanks. Safe with all corals and invertebrates.

Common Mistakes

  • Overcrowding in nano tanks: Even peaceful fish stress in a small, crowded system — stock conservatively.
  • No supplemental feeding: Once algae is depleted, offer herbivore foods consistently.
  • Open tops: Tailspot Blennies can and do jump — lid required.
  • Pairing with aggressive species: In a nano tank, aggression has nowhere to escape.

Is the Tailspot Blenny Right for Your Aquarium?

If you run a nano reef of 10 gallons or more and want a colorful, useful, easy-care blenny, the Tailspot is one of the best choices in the hobby. See all options on our blennies category page.

Ready to Add the Tailspot Blenny to Your Reef?

Starting at $32.99 — the perfect nano reef algae grazer.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tailspot Blenny reef safe?

Yes — it only grazes on microalgae and poses no threat to corals or invertebrates.

How big does the Tailspot Blenny get?

Only 2.5 inches — making it one of the few blennies suitable for 10-gallon nano reefs.

What does the Tailspot Blenny eat?

Film algae and diatoms primarily. Supplement with nori, spirulina, and algae-based pellets.

What tank size does it need?

10 gallons minimum — it’s one of the most nano-friendly blennies available.

What is the spot on its tail?

A bold black ocellus (eye spot) at the base of the tail — its defining characteristic and namesake marking.

Related Blennies

Bicolor Blenny

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Two Spot Blenny

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Nalolo Blenny

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