Dusky Blenny (Atrosalarias fuscus) Care Guide
Atrosalarias fuscus is a dark algae-grazing blenny of the Indo-Pacific that shelters among live and dead coral branches.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Atrosalarias fuscus (Rüppell, 1838) is a combtooth blenny of the family Blenniidae, commonly called the dusky or brown coral blenny. According to FishBase it reaches about 14.5 cm in total length and occurs across the Indo-Pacific, including the Red Sea. It is an algae grazer that shelters among coral branches.
Taxonomy
- Family: Blenniidae
- Genus: Atrosalarias
- Scientific name: Atrosalarias fuscus (Rüppell, 1838)
Habitat
FishBase records this species from the Indo-Pacific, including the Red Sea, in tropical waters. Adults inhabit shallow reefs at depths of about 2 to 12 m, hiding among live or dead coral branches and ranging from estuaries to outer reef lagoons. They are generally solitary.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 100 L (about 26 gal)
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Carbonate hardness range (record): 8-12 °dGH
- Lifespan: 3-8 years (KB record)
Diet
FishBase indicates a herbivorous diet, with the species grazing on benthic algae. In aquaria a diet based on marine algae and herbivore preparations supports this feeding behaviour.
Compatibility
It is a peaceful, bottom-associated grazer. Suitable companions include clownfish, tangs, cardinalfish and wrasses, while large aggressive predators such as lionfish and triggers should be avoided.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern, assessed in 2009.
Breeding the Black Sailfin Blenny (Atrosalarias fuscus)
Overview
Atrosalarias fuscus (family Blenniidae) is an Indo-Pacific algae-grazing blenny reaching about 14.5 cm total length, living at depths of 2-12 m. FishBase notes it favours sheltered, shallow reefs, hiding among live or dead coral branches and occurring from estuaries to outer reef lagoons. It is herbivorous, feeding on algae.
Sexing
FishBase records the species as oviparous with distinct pairing. No reliable external sexing characters are documented for the aquarium, so a compatible male-female pair is usually identified through pairing and territorial behavior at a chosen nest site.
Breeding Setup
Match the natural habitat with a mature reef aquarium offering branching coral or rock cover and steady algal growth as a food source for this grazer. Maintaining the stable shallow-reef parameters from the linked species record keeps the pair in condition.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Reproduction follows the blenny pattern of distinct pairing, with the female laying eggs in a protected cavity that the male typically fertilises and guards. A secure crevice or hole among the coral branches serves as the nest site.
Egg & Fry Care
Eggs are demersal and adhesive, attached to the substrate by a filamentous adhesive pad or pedestal, and the larvae hatch as planktonic forms found in shallow coastal waters. Rearing these larvae requires a dedicated larval system and graded live foods.
Common Challenges
The principal obstacle is the planktonic larval phase, which needs tiny first-feeding prey and very stable conditions. Maintaining enough algal grazing for the adults is also important to keep broodstock healthy and in spawning condition.