Triple Spot Blenny

 Quick Care Facts

• Care Level: Easy   • Temperament: Peaceful   • Maximum Size: 4"
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons   • Water Conditions: 72-80° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
• Diet: Herbivore   • Origin: Tropical Pacific Ocean
• Family: Blenniidae   • Species: Blennies   • Aquarium Type: Reef Compatible

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Triple Spot Blennies, also sometimes referred to as One Spot Blennies (due to the black spot just forward of the dorsal fin) are a very attractive species that range from the tropical reefs throughout the Indo-Pacific, to Hawaii , to the coasts of southwestern Mexico. Triple Spot Blennies have bushy cirri (whisker-like appendages) protruding from between the eyes and are also equipped with combed teeth for eating algae. Triple Spot Blennies have intricate markings that range from white to a tan, brown, and bright red coloration.

Triple Spot Blennies are easy to care for, but prefer to have an established system with stable water conditions. As a peaceful species, they will get along well with many other tank mates (generally minding their own business), but they don't play well with other blennies or species with a similar appearance. Due to the comical, inquisitive personalities, and their attractive, contrasting color form, Triple Spot Blennies are becoming increasingly more popular within the hobby. They are fairly easy to acquire and can usually be purchased through local and online retailers.

Triple Spot Blennies should be kept in an aquarium of no less than 30 gallons and provided with a sand substrate in addition to plenty of live rock for grazing, perching, and refuge. As many species of blennies have been known to jump when startled, their aquarium should be provided with a secure hood to prevent injury. They do prefer stable water conditions and a decent amount of circulation, so they should be provided with quality biological and mechanical filtration; a protein skimmer is also a welcome addition and will help keep their system clean.

They are a peaceful species that will generally keep to themselves, although they love to find a nice spot to perch and watch what's going on in the aquarium. They will coexist with many different heterospecific tank mates as long as they do not have a similar appearance or are an overly aggressive species they may harass them. They should not be housed conspecifically unless as a mated pair. Triple Spot Blennies are great for "nano" aquariums and reef systems, although some blennies are known to occasionally nip at coral polyps and clam mantles.

Triple Spot Blennies are herbivores that are built for and prefer eating marine algae in their natural habitat. In an aquarium environment they will naturally graze on existing marine algae (which they generally prefer), but should also be offered a variety of live and prepared marine algae, vegetable matter, and Spirulina-based flake and pellets foods (treated with Selcon for additional benefits) as well as other prepared foods for omnivores and herbivores. Feed twice per day, but only what they will consume in a few minutes.