
Overview
The Ember Blenny is a small, richly coloured combtooth blenny with a deep reddish-orange body, sometimes marked with fine spotting, making it a striking addition to a nano or medium reef tank. Its compact size makes it a good fit for smaller systems where larger algae-grazing fish wouldn't be appropriate.
Like other combtooth blennies it spends its time picking algae film off rock and glass, and does best in an established tank with natural algae growth already present.
Its small size, calm temperament, and full reef safety make it a popular pick for nano reef keepers wanting some natural algae control and colour without any risk to corals or invertebrates.
Compatibility
Ember Blennies are peaceful and reef safe, leaving corals, clams, and invertebrates alone. They can show mild territoriality toward other blennies of similar shape and colour in smaller tanks, but generally cause no issues with the wider reef community.
Health & quarantine
This species relies on natural algae growth for a significant part of its diet, so tanks without adequate algae film need consistent supplemental feeding to avoid gradual starvation. Quarantine of two to four weeks is recommended good practice, and as with all blennies, avoid copper-based treatments due to their lack of scales.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Ember Blenny suitable for a nano tank?
Is the Ember Blenny reef safe?
What should I feed an Ember Blenny in a very clean tank?
Can I keep two Ember Blennies together?
Will an Ember Blenny jump out of the tank?
Care guidance is drawn from our own experience — every fish is an individual, so treat it as a starting point, not a guarantee. Not sure if a species suits your tank? Come ask us in store. New to the terms? Read the care-terms glossary.