| Midas blenny | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Blenniiformes |
| Family: | Blenniidae |
| Genus: | Ecsenius |
| Species: | E. midas |
| Binomial name | |
| Ecsenius midas Starck, 1969 | |
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]
