All fish / Blenniidae

Namiye's Blenny

Ecsenius namiyei

Also known as black comb-tooth blenny, namiye's combtooth blenny, black combtooth blenny, namiyei blenny, giant black blenny, namie blenny, ニラミギンポ, 纳氏异齿鳚

This is one of the largest combtooth blennies. It has a dark brown to black body, often with a yellow or orange tail, white marks round the eye and a blunt head. Keepers like it because it is hardy, full of character and spends its time perched on rockwork watching the tank.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

10 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

8.1 to 8.4

Smallest tank

115 litres

Keep as

Singly; one per tank unless the tank is large

Diet

Omnivore: grazes algae and film, plus mysis, brine shrimp, enriched frozen foods and quality flakes or pellets

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

4 to 6 years

Water

Marine (saltwater)

Wild range

Western Pacific: Philippines, Indonesia, Taiwan, southern Japan, Palau, northern Australia

Breeding

Males guard eggs laid in a cave or crevice, and the tiny larvae drift in open water. Spawning sometimes happens in aquariums, but raising the larvae is very difficult and seldom manages.

Good to know

Larger than most Ecsenius, and it can be territorial towards other blennies and fish of a similar shape, so give it plenty of rockwork with holes. It is generally safe with corals but may nip at clam mantles.