Care
The Gold Streak Blenny is known from sheltered coral reef habitats down to about 15 metres (49 ft) in depth. It is quite variable in colour, from grey to a coppery brown-orange and with a grey-bluehead. The iris is yellow and a blue-black and bright yellow-orange double line runs from below the eye across the gill cover. There are several very similar-looking species in this genus, and this one is best distinguished by the prominent black spot on the caudal peduncle, hence the alternative common name of Tail Spot Blenny. This is one of the smaller blenny species which, with its large eyes, small mouth, and cirri protruding between the eyes, appears quite comical as it hops about and perches around the aquarium. In the wild, the Gold Streak Blenny is typically found among corals and rocky crevices and therefore requires an abundance of liverock in the home aquarium for grazing on and hiding/resting between. A mature reef aquarium will suit this fish, but be aware that if underfed, occasional specimens may nip at SPS corals, some LPS corals, and clam mantles. An established set-up should also ensure there is sufficient algae for the fish to browse upon, which should divert its attention away from sessile invertebrates. It is best to keep only one specimen per tank unless you can acquire a male-female pair, as these fish can be surprisingly territorial over the bottom area of the tank. Do not keep with closely related fish or smaller, more docile bottom dwellers such as firefishes. Apart from this, other fish do not usually bother the Gold Streak Blenny; however do avoid any large, aggressive species which may easily intimidate these fish and stop them from feeding. Ensure that the tank has tight-fitting coverslides as these fish are expert jumpers. All in all, a very characterful fish, which, once settled, will enjoy sitting on a favourite perch and watching all the goings on in and around the aquarium.
Feeding
This species does best if a moderate growth of filamentous algae is already present in the aquarium for the fish to browse at its leisure. Also offers plenty of vegetable matter, including frozen foods that contain marine algae and Spirulina. Nori (dried seaweed), algae flake and algae wafers formulated for marine fish are usually met with much enthusiasm. If you have space in a well-lit sump, filamentous algae can be cultured on pieces of rock and occasionally rotated with some of the pieces in the main display aquarium. Feed small amounts 2 or 3 times per day. Will also take vitamin-enriched brine shrimp and Mysis shrimp as an occasional treat.
Breeding
There are a few reports of this species having spawned in the home aquarium. The male will select a small one and entice the female towards it. The demersal eggs are adhesive and are deposited all over the cave walls/ceiling. The male waits outside the cave and every so often he will make short repeated dashes inside to fertilise the eggs. The female may deposit several batches of eggs into the nest over the course of 4 or 5 days. When she exits the cave, the male takes her place. Once the eggs hatch (24-72 hours, temperature dependent), raising the tiny larvae is extremely challenging. You may need to move the cave/eggs to a rearing tank with matching water parameters and have a ready and continual supply of tiny foodstuffs on hand, such as rotifers, to feed the larvae once the yolk sacs have been absorbed.
