Description

Black Widow (Tribal) Blenny (Ecsenius spp. hybrid or variant)
Striking, rare, and full of personality—a bold blenny with a sleek, jet-black look.

Description:

The Black Widow Blenny, sometimes called the Tribal Blenny, is a striking variant of the combtooth blenny group (Ecsenius spp.), often selectively bred or wild-caught from rare localities. It typically features a velvety black body, sometimes with red, orange, or blue highlights near the fins or face. Known for its algae-grazing behavior and quirky perching habits, it brings both utility and attitude to the reef tank.

• Size: Up to 4 inches

• Coloration: Deep black (sometimes with faint patterns or hints of color)

• Lifespan: 5–7 years

• Temperament: Peaceful but can be territorial with other blennies or similar rock perchers

Care Requirements:

Tank Size:

• Minimum 20–30 gallons

• More space helps minimize territorial behavior

Diet:

• Omnivorous with heavy herbivorous leanings

• Loves filamentous algae, including hair algae

• Feed a varied diet including:

  • Spirulina- and algae-based pellets

  • Nori (seaweed sheets)

  • Mysis or brine shrimp

  • Blended herbivore frozen foods

• Feed once or twice daily

Behavior:

• Perches on rocks and dart-hops between hiding spots

• Constant grazer—great utility fish for algae control

• May nip at fleshy LPS corals (though not always)

• Can become mildly territorial with other blennies or gobies in tight spaces

Reef Compatibility:

• Generally reef-safe

  • May nip at some LPS corals like acans or fleshy brains if underfed

  • Safe with SPS, zoas, softies, and inverts

• Excellent algae controller for reef tanks

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 74–80°F

• pH: 8.1–8.4

• Salinity: 1.023–1.025

• Nitrates: <20 ppm

• Phosphates: <0.05 ppm

Aquascape Tips:

• Provide plenty of live rock for perching and grazing

• Loves ledges, caves, and crevices

• Peaceful tank mates preferred to avoid stress or hiding

Special Notes:

• May be difficult to find due to rarity

• Quirky and full of personality—tends to develop a “territory”

• Not a jumper by nature, but a lid is still recommended for safety