Lawnmower Blenny (Salarias fasciatus)
The Lawnmower Blenny is a hardworking and personable algae grazer, beloved for its comical expressions and curious behavior. Its mottled brown and white body helps it blend naturally into rockwork, while its high-set eyes and expressive face give it plenty of personality. Constantly perching and grazing, this blenny is an excellent choice for helping control algae growth in reef and fish-only aquariums.
Size: Typically grows up to 5 inches in length
Country of Origin: Indo-Pacific region, from East Africa and the Red Sea to the Great Barrier Reef and Micronesia
Latin Name: Salarias fasciatus
Care Level: Easy – ideal for peaceful, established aquariums with ample live rock for grazing and perching
Lawnmower Blennies are herbivores that primarily feed on microalgae and diatoms. They should have a steady supply of natural algae to graze on and can be supplemented with marine algae sheets, spirulina, and algae-based pellets. They are reef safe, posing no threat to corals or invertebrates, and are valued for both their utility and charming personalities.