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About Black Combtooth Blenny

The Black Combtooth Blenny is a distinctive marine fish recognised for its dark brown to charcoal-black body and pale yellowish tail. It has an elongated body and expressive face, giving it plenty of personality in the aquarium.

Like other combtooth blennies, it has specialised comb-like teeth that allow it to graze algae and biofilm from rock surfaces. It spends much of its time perched on corals, rocks and other structures before darting into a crevice when disturbed.

Black Combtooth Blennies are generally peaceful and make excellent additions to established reef aquariums. They can become territorial towards other blennies, particularly those competing for similar areas.

A mature aquarium with plenty of live rock and natural algae growth is ideal. Supplement natural grazing with algae-based foods, Spirulina and marine vegetable preparations.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name: Ecsenius namiyei
Common Name: Black Combtooth Blenny / Namiye's Combtooth Blenny
Family: Blenniidae
Type: Marine Fish / Combtooth Blenny
Adult Size: Approximately 10–11 cm
Temperament: Peaceful to Semi-Territorial
Care Level: Easy
Minimum Aquarium: 110 L+
Temperature: 24–28°C
pH: 8.0–8.4
Salinity: 1.023–1.026 SG
Diet: Herbivore / Algae Grazer
Tank Level: Bottom to Midwater / Rockwork
Reef Safe: Yes
Suitable For: Reef aquariums and established marine community tanks

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Black Combtooth Blennies reef safe?

Yes. They are generally considered reef safe and are well suited to coral aquariums.

What do Black Combtooth Blennies eat?

They naturally graze on algae and biofilm from rocks and other hard surfaces. Supplement this with nori, Spirulina, algae-based pellets and other marine vegetable foods.

How big does a Black Combtooth Blenny get?

They can reach approximately 10–11 cm.

Can I keep multiple Black Combtooth Blennies together?

It is generally best to keep one per aquarium, particularly in smaller systems, as they may become territorial towards other blennies.

Do Black Combtooth Blennies need live rock?

Yes. Live rock provides grazing surfaces, hiding places and perching locations, making it an important part of their environment.

Common Mistakes

Adding one to a brand-new aquarium
They benefit from established algae and biofilm growth.

Not providing enough algae-based food
Natural algae may not be sufficient, so supplement their diet regularly.

Keeping multiple blennies in a small aquarium
Territorial behaviour can develop when suitable perching and grazing areas are limited.

Not providing hiding places
Caves, holes and crevices allow the fish to retreat when startled.

Assuming they can live entirely on leftover algae
Targeted feeding is important to ensure they receive adequate nutrition.