Midas Blenny (Ecsenius midas)

The Midas Blenny is a stunning marine aquarium fish, admired for its vibrant golden-yellow colouration, striking blue-ringed eyes and fascinating swimming behaviour. Also known as the Golden Blenny, this popular species is an excellent choice for marine aquarists looking to add colour, movement and personality to their aquarium.

Midas Blenny Care Requirements

Native to the Indo-Pacific region, the Midas Blenny is unusual compared with many other blennies because it regularly swims in open water rather than remaining close to the rocks. It enjoys exploring its surroundings and will often retreat into a favourite crevice when startled.

An aquarium of around 150–200 litres or larger is recommended, particularly for a community reef setup. Provide plenty of live rock, caves and hiding places, alongside open swimming space. A secure, tight-fitting lid is essential because Midas Blennies can jump.

Maintain stable water conditions, with a temperature of approximately 24–27°C, a salinity of 1.020–1.025 specific gravity and a pH between 8.1 and 8.4.

Feeding Your Midas Blenny

Unlike algae-grazing blennies, the Midas Blenny primarily feeds on tiny planktonic organisms. Offer a varied diet of mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepod-based foods and high-quality marine pellets or flakes. Feed regularly and ensure the fish receives enough nutrition to maintain its colour and body condition.

Compatibility and Behaviour

Midas Blennies are generally peaceful with compatible marine fish and are considered reef safe. However, they can become territorial towards other blennies or similar-looking fish. Keeping one specimen is generally the safest option for most home aquariums.

Add a Midas Blenny to Your Aquarium

With its brilliant golden colour, lively swimming style and engaging personality, the Midas Blenny makes a wonderful addition to an established marine or reef aquarium. Provide a varied diet, secure hiding places and excellent water quality to help your fish thrive.