Care
The Midas Blenny is known from clear coastal reefs to outer reef walls, where current is moderately strong and the water up to 40m (131ft) deep. This colourful, slinky fish is well suited to reef aquaria, and unlike many of its close relatives, feeds primarily on zooplankton rather than algae. The tank should have good circulation and must be furnished with plenty of live rock with lots of small nooks and crannies for the Midas Blenny to perch upon and hide amongst - often reversing in. When newly introduced, this fish may be a little shy, but it will soon gain confidence and may often be seen swimming in the water column with mid-level fish in a slightly eel-like manner with a head at a higher level than its tail. MidasBlennies are generally peaceful but should not be trusted with smaller-planktivores, firefish, or gobies. However, they are most likely to show territorial aggression if kept in cramped quarters, so do ensure your fish has plenty of room. Keep only one per tank unless you can acquire a mated pair. Tightfitting cover slides are a must, as Midas Blennies are expert jumpers. Interestingly, these fish are capable of dramatic colour change depending on their mood or the type of activity they are engaged in; the "normal" colour is a beautiful golden-orange, but they can adapt their colour to more closely match those of their surroundings. When in the usual colour phase in the wild, these fish are often observed in the company of Pseudanthiassquamipinnis, where they like to swim in the current and feed on zooplankton in the safety of a large shoal.
Feeding
Omnivorous. Offer a varied diet consisting of both meaty and vegetable fare such as Mysis shrimp,vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, plankton, finely chopped krill/prawns/mussel/cockle, plus Spirulina-based foods and Nori. Feed small amounts 2-3 times per day.
Breeding
This species has spawned in the home aquarium, although there are no successful reports of raising the young. In the wild this species forms distinct pairs and small adhesive eggs (numbering on average around 100) are laid in a crevice which is then guarded.
