Golden Blenny

The Ecsenius midas, commonly known as the Midas blenny, Persian blenny, lyretail blenny, or golden blenny, is a marine fish belonging to the Blenniidae family. This tropical species is primarily associated with coral reefs in the Indo-Pacific region, spanning from the eastern coast of Africa, including the 🌊 Red Sea, to the Marquesan Islands. Typically found within a depth range of 2 to 40 meters (7 to 131 feet), the Midas blenny can reach a maximum length of 13 centimeters (about 5 inches).

Characterized by its striking golden-orange coloration, this fish features a distinctive black spot near the anus and a narrow dark margin on the front part of its dorsal fin. The 🇮🇩 Indonesian variation may appear grey, greenish, or golden-yellow. Adult Midas blennies have a long tail and inhabit coral reefs, favoring areas with clear waters and moderate currents. They often swim 2 to 3 meters (6 to 10 feet) above the seafloor, feeding primarily on zooplankton.

The Midas blenny demonstrates remarkable social mimicry, capable of quickly changing its color to blend with other fish species in its vicinity, such as the lyretail anthias (Pseudanthias squamipinnis), Pseudanthias huchtii, and Lepidozygus tapeinosomoa. This adaptive ability helps them integrate into schools of these species, mimicking both their appearance and swimming behavior.

Reproductively, the Midas blenny is oviparous, meaning it lays eggs. These eggs are demersal and adhesive, attaching to substrates via a filamentous pad, while the larvae are planktonic and often found in shallow, coastal waters. The naming of this species nods to King Midas from Greek mythology, who turned everything he touched into gold, highlighting the fish’s variable yet typically golden color. Occasionally, the Midas blenny appears in the aquarium trade due to its unique and vibrant appearance.