Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
General Description: The Chestnut Eyelash Blenny is a species of combtooth blenny found across the Indo-West Pacific, from the Red Sea to southern Japan. Found at depths of up to 65 feet, the Chestnut eyelash blenny is not common within the aquarium trade and therefore, not much is known about it in this setting. It has a typical blenny shape and its body is a shade of brown to black; the face may show some patterning. This blenny would make an excellent addition into a reef aquarium to help control nuisance algae growth. An adult Chestnut eyelash blenny can reach a size of approximately 3″.
Diet Requirements: The Chestnut eyelash blenny is omnivorous, with a greater proportion of its diet made up of algae-based items. A diet consisting of high quality, vitamin enriched frozen preparations is absolutely necessary to maintain optimal health, coloration, and immune function. Such foods can include, but are not limited to, brine shrimp, calanus, and mysis shrimp. Frozen food mixes that contain algae such as Spirulina or Chlorella are desired. We highly encourage soaking frozen foods in vitamin and fatty acid supplements. A Chestnut eyelash blenny may accept high quality flake and pellet foods.
Care Requirements: An established minimum 30 gallon aquarium is ideal to house a Chestnut eyelash blenny. Blennies enjoy a variety of rock work and crevices to take refuge in or on; these fish lack swim bladders and therefore “hop” around the aquascape. This blenny would not do well in a biologically immature aquarium because of water chemistry sensitivites, in addition to the presence of insufficient algaes for it to forage on. Do not house a Chestnut eyelash blenny with overly aggressive and pugnacious tank mates. Chestnut eyelash blennies will typically ignore most other fish, though territorial behavior could be exhibited toward a fish of similar body shape. This blenny would feel right at home in a reef setting, and poses no threat to corals or invertebrates. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.
Purchase Size: Small: 3/4″ to 1-3/4″; Medium: 2″ to 2-3/4″; Large: 3″ to 3-3/4″Â
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
