Twinspot Blenny

Ecsenius bimaculatus

The Twinspot Blenny is a small marine fish found in the tropical waters of the western Pacific Ocean, particularly around the Philippines and northeast Borneo in Sabah, Malaysia. It is part of the Blenniidae family and is easily identified by the two distinctive black spots on its abdominal region. This species typically grows to a length of 4.5 cm for males and 2.7 cm for females. It is often found in reef-associated environments, inhabiting reef crests and slopes with rich coral growth. Divers are likely to encounter this fish at depths ranging from 1 to 15 meters. The Twinspot Blenny is known for its solitary behavior, often seen around sponges and tunicates. It is an oviparous species, with eggs that are demersal and adhesive, attaching to substrates via a filamentous pad. The larvae are planktonic and are usually found in shallow coastal waters. Divers may find the Twinspot Blenny to be a harmless and unobtrusive presence on the reef. Its conservation status is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, it does occasionally appear in the aquarium trade, which may influence its local populations.