Profile: Algae Blenny (Salarias fasciatus)

Scientific Name: Salarias fasciatus

Family: Acanthuridae

Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallon

Size: Grows to maximum of about 5" in length.

Hardiness: Very hardy.

Temperature: Does well within normal reef tank temperature ranges of at least 75-84°F.

Description: Lawnmower Blennies are very interesting looking with a long body and gray to tan colored vertical bars on the sides. A long dorsal fin extends the length of the body. Small light-blue dots adorn the face and body. Feathery projections called 'cirri' around the face give this blenny what looks like a bad hair-cut.

Natural Environment:Indo-Pacific

Reef Suitability: Lawnmower Blennies are usually very good reef tank inhabitants in larger tanks that can sustain their appitite. While somewhat plain in comparison to the bright colours of other fish found on the reef they are known as a very personable fish. They spend most of their day perched on rocks surveying their surroundings followed by short bursts of algae munching.

Disposition: May chase or bully other fish in close quarters, but usually not an issue in larger tanks. I've only seen my specimin being bullied by my larger convict blenny. They should be kept as single specimens or as a male/female pair in tanks less than about 55 gallons.

Feeding: Lawnmower Blennies are primarily vegetarian. They have teeth that are adapt at scraping algae from the surface of rocks and the walls of the tank. Mine loves zipping up and down the tank walls eating as he goes. They do best in tanks that have algae on which they can forage throughout the day.