Tricolor Coralblenny

Ecsenius tricolor

The Tricolor coralblenny, Ecsenius tricolor, is a small reef fish found in the western central Pacific, particularly around the Philippines and Borneo. It is easily recognizable by its distinctive coloration, featuring a deep blue head that transitions to a bright orange tail. A notable blue-white line runs below the eye and continues over the axil to above the anus, bordered by a bright orange line over the gill section. This species reaches a maximum length of 6 centimeters and has an elongated body shape. Tricolor coralblennies inhabit seaward and sheltered reefs, typically residing in coral-rich habitats at depths of up to 10 meters. They are often found among the branches of Acropora corals. As herbivores, these blennies primarily feed on benthic algae and weeds, playing a role in maintaining the health of the reef ecosystem. Reproduction in the Tricolor coralblenny is oviparous, with distinct pairing during the breeding process. Their eggs are adhesive and demersal, attaching to the substrate via a filamentous pad. The larvae are planktonic and are commonly found in shallow coastal waters. According to the IUCN Red List, this species is classified as Vulnerable.