Midas blenny | |
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In the Andaman Islands | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Actinopterygii |
Order: | Blenniiformes |
Family: | Blenniidae |
Genus: | Ecsenius |
Species: | E. midas
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Binomial name | |
Ecsenius midas Starck, 1969
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Ecsenius midas, known commonly as the Midas blenny, Persian blenny, lyretail blenny or golden blenny, is a species of marine fish in the family Blenniidae.[2]
The Midas blenny is widespread throughout the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific area from the eastern coast of Africa, Red Sea included, to the Marquesan Islands.[2] It occasionally makes its way into the aquarium trade. The specific name references the Phrygian king Midas who, in Greek mythology turned all he touched into gold, the type was a golden color in life although it is now known that this species is variable in color.[3]
It grows to a size of 13 cm in length.[4][5] Its normal color is golden orange but it can adapt its color (mimicry) to match the color of the fishes it mixes with.[6] It shows a black spot near the anus. It is often seen in company of the lyretail anthias (Pseudanthias squamipinnis).[7]
The Midas blenny is a planktivore.[8]