Midas blenny

Ecsenius midas
Midas blenny (Ecsenius midas)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Perciformes
Family: Blenniidae
Genus: Ecsenius
Species: E. midas
Binomial name
Ecsenius midas
Starck, 1969

Ecsenius midas, known commonly as the Midas blenny, Lyretail blenny or Golden blenny, is a species of marine fish in the family Blenniidae.[1]

The Midas blenny is widespread throughout the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific area from the eastern coast of Africa, Red Sea included, to the Marquesan Islands.[2]

It grows to a size of 13 cm in length.[3][4] Its normal color is golden orange but it can adapt its color (mimicry) to match the color of the fishes it mixes with.[5] It shows a black spot near the anus. It is often seen in company of the lyretail anthias (Pseudanthias squamipinnis).[6]

The Midas blenny is a planktivore.[7]

It occasionally makes its way into the aquarium trade.

Closeup of a Midas blenny, Andaman Islands, India

References

  1. http://www.fishbase.org/summary/7561
  2. http://www.fishbase.org/summary/7561
  3. Tristan Lougher (2006). What Fish?: A Buyer's Guide to Marine Fish. Interpet Publishing. p. 159. ISBN 978-1-84286-118-9.
  4. Lieske & Myers,Coral reef fishes,Princeton University Press, 2009, ISBN 9780691089959
  5. Kuiter, R.H. and T. Tonozuka, 2001. Pictorial guide to Indonesian reef fishes. Part 2. Fusiliers - Dragonets, Caesionidae - Callionymidae. Zoonetics, Australia. 304-622 p.
  6. Lieske & Myers,Guide des poissons des récifs coralliens,Delachaux & Niestlé,2009, ISBN 9782603016749
  7. Myers, R.F., 1999. Micronesian reef fishes: a comprehensive guide to the coral reef fishes of Micronesia, 3rd revised and expanded edition. Coral Graphics, Barrigada, Guam. 330 p.
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