The Striped Coralblenny – Ecsenius prooculis is a small, colorful fish belonging to the family Blenniidae. It is a popular choice for reef tanks due to its vibrant coloration and relatively peaceful nature.
Description & Characteristics
The Striped Coralblenny, Ecsenius prooculis, is a small fish reaching a maximum size of 4.0 cm. Its body is elongated and slender, with a distinctive pattern of vertical stripes running along its sides. These stripes are typically bright orange, red, or yellow, contrasting with the darker background color of the fish. The Striped Coralblenny also has a prominent, fleshy tentacle above its eye, which is a characteristic feature of many blennies.
Habitat and Occurrence
Ecsenius prooculis is primarily found in shallow, tropical waters, with a depth range of 1.0 to 10.0 meters. They prefer habitats with abundant coral cover, making them common residents of coral reefs and rocky outcrops. These areas provide shelter and access to their primary food source. The Striped Coralblenny is typically found in the intertidal and neritic zones, which are the marine zones closest to the shore.
Taxonomy
The species Ecsenius prooculis belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Blenniiformes, and Family: Blenniidae. The Teleostei is a diverse group of bony fishes that includes most of the fish species found today. The Blenniiformes, or blennies, are a group of fish characterized by their elongated bodies and prominent fleshy tentacles above their eyes. The family Blenniidae encompasses a wide variety of blennies, including the Striped Coralblenny.
Feeding
Ecsenius prooculis is an herbivorous fish, feeding primarily on algae. They use their small mouths to scrape algae off of rocks and coral, playing a significant role in maintaining the health of their coral reef habitats.
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