Lawnmower Blenny

Lawnmower Blenny (Salarias fasciatus)

Quick Stats:

• Care Level: Easy
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Color Form: Mottled brown, gray, and tan body with subtle stripes and a comical, expressive face
• Diet: Herbivore
• Reef Compatible: Yes
• Water Conditions:
  • Specific Gravity: 1.020–1.025
  • Temperature: 72–78°F
  • dKH: 8–12
  • pH: 8.1–8.4
• Max. Size: 5 inches
• Family: Blenniidae
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons

Overview:

The Lawnmower Blenny, also known as the Algae Blenny or Rockskipper Blenny, is a functional and entertaining addition to any reef or community tank. Known for its algae-eating habits, this blenny helps keep nuisance algae in check while adding charm with its quirky personality and curious behavior.

Habitat and Behavior:

Native to rocky reefs and coral lagoons of the Indo-Pacific, the Lawnmower Blenny is a bottom-dwelling species that loves to perch on rocks and sift through surfaces for food. They are peaceful and typically ignore other tankmates but may occasionally display territorial behavior toward other blennies.

Diet:

As herbivores, Lawnmower Blennies primarily consume algae, including diatoms and hair algae. In tanks with limited natural algae, supplement their diet with marine-based algae sheets, spirulina, or herbivore pellets. Regular feedings ensure they remain healthy and active.

Care Tips:

This hardy species thrives in tanks with live rock for grazing and ample hiding spots. They are reef-safe and will not harm corals or other invertebrates. Ensure good water quality and stable parameters to keep them in optimal health. If algae levels are low, offer supplemental feeding to prevent malnutrition.