Smoothfin Blenny

Ecsenius frontalis, commonly known as the smooth-fin blenny, is a small fish species found in the coral reefs of the western 🌊 Indian Ocean, particularly in the 🌊 Red Sea, including the gulfs of Aqaba and Suez and the western part of the 🌊 Gulf of Aden. This combtooth blenny can grow up to 8 centimeters (about 3.1 inches) in length and is often seen in shallow coral blocks and protected lagoons at depths ranging from 3 to 27 meters (approximately 9.8 to 88.6 feet).

The smooth-fin blenny exhibits several color forms, with a body that can be uniformly brown, dark brown, or black, often featuring a darker stripe along the dorsal area. Unique to this fish are its eyes, which display two short yellow bands. The dorsal fin comprises 10 to 13 spines and 18 to 21 soft rays, while the anal fin features 2 spines and 17 to 22 soft rays. Each fish also has 34 to 37 vertebrae and a set of distinct dentary incisor teeth.

This species primarily feeds on plants, including benthic algae and weeds, making it a herbivore. It is also popular in the aquarium trade due to its manageable size and the vibrant ecosystems it supports.

Reproduction in the smooth-fin blenny is oviparous, meaning the fish lay eggs. These eggs are demersal, which means they are laid on the substrate and are adhesive, sticking to surfaces via a filamentous pad. The resulting larvae are planktonic and are often found in shallow coastal waters.

The name "Ecsenius" is derived from the Greek word "exenios," meaning uncontrolled or immoderate, which perhaps reflects the lively nature of this fish in its natural habitat. Overall, the smooth-fin blenny plays a vital role in its ecosystem and continues to be a species of interest for both scientific study and the aquarium hobby.