Blennies · Blenniidae
Care levelIntermediate
Lawnmower Blenny
Salarias fasciatus
A mottled, expressive blenny that perches on rockwork and grazes on algae. A mature aquarium with suitable grazing surfaces and dependable supplemental feeding is more important than treating it as a cleanup tool.
Food supply and body condition need closer attention than a simple 'algae eater' label suggests.
Recommendation
Would you recommend this fish for a suitable saltwater aquarium?
30+ galRecommended tank
5 inchesAdult size
Usually peaceful; may defend grazing areasTemperament
With cautionCoral safety
+ Why you’ll love them
- Entertaining perching and grazing behavior.
- Can help graze some surface algae.
- Usually a good fit for a suitable reef community.
! Things to consider
- May lose weight in a new or overly clean aquarium.
- Not every individual readily accepts prepared foods.
- Can argue with other blennies or similar grazing fish.
- Monitor body condition and supply algae-based foods.
Tank and habitat
- Recommended volume
- 30 US gallons or larger; allow for stocking and layout.
- Full-grown size
- 5 inches (maximum adult size)
- Tank footprint and swimming space
- Prioritize extensive grazing surfaces and several resting perches.
- Tank maturity
-
6 months recommended
A mature aquarium with suitable algae or biofilm and dependable supplemental feeding. Suggested tank age is a planning guide, not proof of readiness. Complete cycling, stable water and the right food supply are essential. - Habitat and equipment
- Live rock, grazing surfaces, resting places and a covered tank.
Care and compatibility
- Temperament
- Usually peaceful; may defend grazing areas
- Why this care level
- Food supply and body condition need closer attention than a simple 'algae eater' label suggests.
- Suitable tank mates and conflicts
- Suitable community fish; other blennies or similar grazers may trigger disputes.
- Alone, pair or group
- Usually one; allow separate territories if considering other blennies.
Corals and invertebrates
- Coral safety
-
With caution
With caution: some individuals nip small-polyped stony corals. - Shrimp safety
-
Generally compatible
Generally compatible with ornamental shrimp. - Snail safety
-
Generally compatible
Generally compatible. - Clam safety
-
With caution
With caution: some individuals nip clam mantles.
Food and feeding
- Diet
- Herbivore; algae-based foods and natural grazing
- Feeding plan
- Provide algae-based foods in addition to grazing; monitor body condition.
- Prepared or live food
- Acceptance varies. Ask the seller to demonstrate it eating supplemental food.
Water conditions
- Temperature
- 72-78 F (22-26 C); keep temperature stable.
- Specific gravity
- 1.020-1.025 specific gravity in the species care guidance; also meet your corals' needs.
- pH
- 8.1-8.4, with stable daily conditions.
Long-term care
- Lifespan
- A reliable typical captive lifespan is not established in the linked references. Plan for several years of care.
- Growth and future planning
- An adult can reach 5 inches and needs enough feeding territory.
Before you buy
- Is this fish right for your tank?
- Confirm that it is eating enough. A new or very clean aquarium can leave a grazing blenny underfed.
- Buying checklist
- Ask to see it eat; check its condition and plan quarantine.
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