The algae blenny (Salarias fasciatus) has many common names. We usually refer to them as Lawnmower blennies in the store...but you may also hear them referred to as Jeweled blenny or Banded blenny. These interesting little fish are native to the Indo-Pacific region, reaching from the east coast of Africa to Australia. They are found in primarily in coral reefs or lagoons. You can see ours in our reef display tanks. They stay near the surface where direct sunlight hits the water for optimal algae growth. The name is derived from their eating habits, where they literally “mow” hair algae off of rocks and other surfaces.
Because of their eating habits, they are probably our most popular aquarium fish with customers. They are one of few fish to eat hair algae, which is a nuisance to marine hobbyists. We even use them in our store to help keep algae under control.
A 35 gallon tank is the minimum size you would want to keep one of these fish in. Typically these fish are “reef safe” and don’t attack other fish, although they have been known to nibble on stony coral. They will attack their own kind though, unless you have a compatible pair. We recommend lots of hiding places (such as live rock) to help make them comfortable and most colorful. It blends in well with the live rock or its burrows itself in the sand. If there is no algae present in your tank you can feed these fish frozen brine shrimp with spirulina, but do not feed too much of this. If you want to just see one of these intersting fish eat...pop in and we can show you.
The algae blenny can grow up to about 5-6” in an aquarium. In the wild they have been seen up to 14”. In captivity they live around 10 years.
Thanks for reading and see you soon at Appalachian Tails!