All fish / Pseudochromidae

Carpet Eel Blenny

Congrogadus subducens

Also known as carpet eel-blenny, green wolf eel, wolf eel blenny, eel blenny, green eel blenny, carpet eelblenny, marbled eel blenny, ウナギギンポ, 鳗鳚, 绿鳗鳚

This long, eel-like dottyback has a continuous dorsal and anal fin and a mottled green, brown or cream body that can shift colour to match its surroundings. It is kept for its odd shape, hardiness and lively, curious character once it settles in among the rockwork.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Aggressive

Adult size

35 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

8.1 to 8.4

Smallest tank

300 litres

Keep as

Keep singly

Diet

Carnivore: shrimp, chopped fish, squid, mysis and other meaty frozen foods

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 10 years

Water

Marine (saltwater)

Wild range

Indo-West Pacific: Nicobar Islands and Indonesia to the Philippines, New Guinea, northern Australia and New Caledonia

Breeding

In the wild it lays eggs in a clump that the parents guard inside a crevice. Captive spawning is very rare, so almost all aquarium fish are wild caught.

Good to know

Despite its slim build it is a predator. It will eat small fish, shrimps and crabs that fit in its mouth, so only keep it with sturdy tankmates. Cover the tank tightly and plug any gaps, because it is a skilled escape artist.