Starry Blenny

Starry Blenny (Salarias ramosus)

Quick Stats:

• Care Level: Easy
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Color Form: Brown to gray with white and blue speckles resembling stars
• 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 Starry Blenny, with its star-like speckles and distinct personality, is a favorite among marine hobbyists. Its unique appearance and algae-grazing behavior make it both a functional and aesthetic addition to reef tanks. Known for perching on rockwork and surveying its environment, this blenny is sure to bring charm to your aquarium.

Habitat and Behavior:

Native to the reefs and lagoons of the Indo-Pacific, the Starry Blenny prefers aquariums with plenty of live rock where it can graze on algae and hide in small crevices. It is peaceful by nature but may display territorial behavior toward other blennies or fish with similar body shapes.

Diet:

As an herbivore, the Starry Blenny primarily feeds on algae. It will actively graze on microalgae and filamentous algae growing on rocks and glass. To supplement its diet, provide marine algae, spirulina, and herbivore pellets or flakes. Ensure that sufficient algae are available in the tank to support its dietary needs.

Care Tips:

The Starry Blenny is a hardy fish well-suited for beginner and experienced aquarists alike. It thrives in stable reef environments with good water quality and moderate flow. While it is reef-safe, ensure that it has adequate food to prevent it from nibbling on fleshy corals in low-algae tanks.