Tailspot blenny reef compatibility check
Ecsenius stigmatura
Tailspot blenny (Ecsenius stigmatura) is a beginner-level blenny that needs at least 20 gallons. It is listed as reef safe; do not rely on a sterile new tank for grazing. Temperament is peaceful and adults reach about 2.5 inches. Add it as middle-stage livestock once the tank is at least 1 month old.
Small, useful grazer with enough character for nano and mid-size reefs.
Who it is for
Good fit for
- ✓ Tanks of 20+ gallons at the animal's adult size.
- ✓ Beginners following a slow, planned stocking order.
- ✓ Reef tanks with corals and invertebrates.
- ✓ Peaceful community tanks.
Not a fit for
- ✕ Tanks under 20 gallons, even while it is small.
- ✕ New tanks; wait until the system is about 1+ month old.
- ✕ Do not rely on a sterile new tank for grazing.
Compatibility warnings
- Do not rely on a sterile new tank for grazing.
- Check adult size against the final tank, not the fish or coral at purchase size.
- Add livestock slowly so the bioload and nutrient export can keep up.
- Use the planner when this animal changes the tank-size, flow, lighting, or stocking plan.
Professional planning context
- Use the 20 gallon minimum as an adult-planning floor; display length, aquascape, and existing tankmates can raise that floor.
- Hold this entry until the system has at least 1 month of maturity or equivalent stability evidence.
- Professionals should model aggression by territory and introduction order, not only by care level.
Tank fit and maturity gate
ReefCrafter uses 20 gallons as the planning floor for adult size, swimming room, nutrient load, and aggression margin.
This animal should wait until the tank has enough age, food web stability, or parameter history.
Care notes
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Reef safety
- Safe
- Adult size
- 2.5 in
- Placement
- rockwork
- Diet
- Algae films plus prepared herbivore foods.
- Flow
- Varied
- Light
- None
- Bioload
- 0.8
- Stocking stage
- Middle
Related species
- Lawnmower blenny
30+ gallons.
- Midas blenny
30+ gallons.
- Black ocellaris clownfish
Same 20-gallon floor.
- Ocellaris clownfish
Same 20-gallon floor.
Equipment that fits
- Innovative Marine 20 NUVO Fusion Peninsula PRO 2 AIO Aquarium with APS Pedestal
20-gallon display, above this animal's 20-gallon floor.
- Innovative Marine 20 NUVO Fusion PRO 2 AIO Aquarium with APS Pedestal
20-gallon display, above this animal's 20-gallon floor.
- Innovative Marine NUVO Fusion 20 Gallon AIO Long Aquarium
20-gallon display, above this animal's 20-gallon floor.
Related reading
Questions
What size tank does the tailspot blenny need?
ReefCrafter plans for at least 20 gallons, based on an adult size of about 2.5 inches, plus swimming room, nutrient load, and aggression margin. Use the adult size, not the size at purchase.
Is the tailspot blenny reef safe?
It is listed as reef safe in ReefCrafter's catalog. Watch for: Do not rely on a sterile new tank for grazing.
Is the tailspot blenny good for beginners?
Yes. It is rated beginner care, though it should wait until the tank is about 1+ month old.
When should I add the tailspot blenny to my tank?
ReefCrafter treats it as middle-stage livestock for a tank at least 1 month old. Add livestock slowly so nutrient export keeps up.