| Family: |
Blenniidae (Combtooth blennies), subfamily: Salariinae |
| Max. size: |
13 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 2 - 40 m |
| Distribution: |
Indo-Pacific: Gulf of Aqaba and southeast coast of Africa to the Marquesan Islands. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 13-14; Dorsal soft rays (total): 19-21; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 20-23. Golden orange in color; black spot around anus; anterior part of dorsal fin with narrow dark margin (Ref. 4404). Indonesian form grey or greenish to golden-yellow. Tail long in adults (Ref. 48636). |
| Biology: |
Adults inhabit coral reefs (Ref. 9710), from clear coastal to outer reef walls, usually where currents are moderate (Ref. 48636). They swim 2 to 3 m above the benthos, feeding on plankton (Ref. 94105). During the orange-yellow phase, they are observed to school with Pseudanthias squamipinnis which they resemble in color. Individuals of Ecsenius midas can change color quickly from when on the bottom to swimming in open water to match the colors of the fishes they mix with (Ref. 48636). They also socially mimic their swimming behavior and also of Pseudanthias huchtii and Lepidozygus tapeinosomoa (Ref. 90102). Reported to feed on zooplankton (Ref. 37816). Oviparous. Eggs are demersal and adhesive (Ref. 205), and are attached to the substrate via a filamentous, adhesive pad or pedestal (Ref. 94114). Larvae are planktonic, often found in shallow, coastal waters (Ref. 94114). Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 9710. |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 25 March 2009 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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