Algae Blenny
In Stock
You will earn 25 Reward Points by purchasing this item
Algae Blenny (Salarias fasciatus)
Overview
The Algae Blenny (Salarias fasciatus), also known as the Lawnmower Blenny, is a small, hardy reef fish prized for its algae-eating habits. Native to the Indo-Pacific region, it inhabits coral reefs, lagoons, and rocky substrates, grazing constantly on microalgae and diatoms.
This species is ideal for beginner to intermediate marine aquarists due to its hardiness, small size, and natural algae control in reef aquariums. Its active grazing behavior helps maintain healthy tank surfaces while providing an engaging display.
Aquarium Requirements
Minimum Tank Size: 75 litres (20 US gallons)
Temperature: 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
pH: 8.1–8.4
Specific Gravity (Salinity): 1.020–1.025
Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH
Ammonia & Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: < 10 ppm
Aquascape:
Provide a reef environment with abundant live rock for grazing and hiding. Open areas allow active swimming, while crevices and overhangs give shelter. Moderate water flow is preferred to mimic natural reef currents.
Diet and Feeding
The Algae Blenny is primarily herbivorous, grazing continuously on algae. In captivity, supplemental feeding is important to maintain health:
Recommended Foods:
-
Dried seaweed (nori) or macroalgae sheets
-
Spirulina-based flakes or pellets
-
Frozen herbivore blends
-
Occasional small meaty foods (brine shrimp, mysis) for variety
Feed multiple small portions daily. Providing ample algae-covered surfaces ensures natural grazing behavior and prevents nutritional deficiencies.
Temperament and Compatibility
The Algae Blenny is peaceful and non-aggressive, generally compatible with most reef fish.
Suitable Tankmates:
-
Most peaceful species including clownfish, gobies, tangs, and wrasses
-
Other small blennies with adequate territory
Avoid:
-
Very aggressive or territorial species that may stress the blenny
They can be territorial with conspecifics in small tanks, but generally coexist peacefully in larger systems.
Reef Compatibility
✅ Reef Safe
Algae Blennies are considered fully reef safe, as they primarily graze on algae and do not harm corals or sessile invertebrates. They provide a natural benefit by controlling nuisance algae growth.
Additional Information
Maximum Size: 10–12 cm (4–5 inches)
Lifespan: 5–7 years in captivity
Difficulty Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Natural Behavior: Constant algae grazer, active swimmer, sometimes territorial toward conspecifics
Origin: Indo-Pacific – East Africa to the central Pacific
Coloration: Mottled brown with pale stripes, blending well with rock surfaces
Summary
The Algae Blenny (Salarias fasciatus) is a hardy, reef-safe species ideal for beginner and intermediate aquarists. It requires ample live rock, moderate water flow, and a diet rich in algae to thrive. With proper care, it serves both as a natural algae cleaner and an active, engaging reef tank inhabitant, reaching up to 12 cm and living for several years in a well-maintained aquarium.
| SKU | Algae Blenny |
|---|