Lawnmower Blenny (Salarias fasciatus) Care Guide

A comical bottom-dwelling marine fish with a large head, expressive eyes, and a habit of perching on rocks while grazing algae.

Overview

Salarias fasciatus is a species in the family Blenniidae. A comical bottom-dwelling marine fish with a large head, expressive eyes, and a habit of perching on rocks while grazing algae. Named for its voracious appetite for microalgae, making it an excellent natural cleaner for reef tanks. Develops a fun, interactive personality.

Taxonomy

Family: Blenniidae
Genus: Salarias
Scientific name: Salarias fasciatus
Other names: Sailfin Blenny, Jewelled Blenny
Origin: Indo-Pacific

Habitat

Widely distributed across the Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea and East Africa to Samoa and from the Ryukyu Islands to Australia. Inhabits shallow reef flats, lagoons and rocky tide pools to about 8 m, where it grazes on filamentous algae and detritus from hard surfaces.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 120 L
Temperature: 24-27 °C
pH: 8.1-8.4
GH: 8-12 °dGH
Water flow: moderate
Adult size: 8-14 cm
Lifespan: 4-6 years
Difficulty: beginner

Diet

Classified as herbivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: peaceful
Swimming level: bottom
Compatible tank mates: Clownfish, Blue Chromis, Firefish Goby, Royal Gramma
Avoid with: Other Blennies, Aggressive Fish

Reef compatibility

Generally classified as reef-safe: does not feed on stony or soft corals, tridacnid clams or ornamental shrimps under normal conditions.

Breeding

Breeding strategy: egg-depositor
Breeding difficulty: advanced