Linear Blenny

Species Overview

• Common name: Linear Blenny

• Scientific name: Ecsenius lineatus

• Origin: Indo-Pacific reefs (Red Sea, East Africa to Indonesia)

• Adult size: 5–7 cm (2–3")

• Lifespan: 3–5 years in captivity

🌈 Appearance

• Slender, elongated body with a distinct lateral line or series of lines running from head to tail.

• Body color ranges from yellowish to brown, sometimes with subtle stripes or spots.

• Large eyes typical of blennies, giving a curious expression.

• Fins are small, often transparent or lightly tinted.

🏞 Tank Requirements

• Tank size: Minimum 60L (16 gallons) for a single adult; larger for multiple.

• Water parameters:

  • Temperature: 24–28 °C

  • pH: 8.1–8.4

  • Salinity: 1.020–1.025 SG

• Aquascape: Plenty of live rock with crevices and caves for hiding.

• Sandy or fine substrate preferred.

🍽 Diet

• Herbivorous/omnivorous: Feeds on algae, microfauna, and detritus.

• In captivity: accepts spirulina, algae wafers, frozen mysis, finely chopped vegetables, and small prepared foods.

• Regular feeding enhances color and vitality.

👫 Behavior & Compatibility

• Peaceful and shy; prefers crevices and sheltered areas.

• Can be territorial with conspecifics in small tanks.

• Compatible with other peaceful reef fish, invertebrates, and corals.

• Avoid aggressive or overly large tankmates that may stress the blenny.

🐣 Breeding

• Rarely bred in home aquariums; mostly wild-caught.

• Lays eggs in small crevices; fry require abundant microfauna.

⚡ Key Selling Points

• Subtle linear markings make it visually attractive in reef tanks.

• Small, peaceful, and reef-safe, perfect for nano or community marine aquariums.

• Active crevice-dweller that adds interest and natural behavior to the tank.