Jewelled Blenny (Salarias fasciatus)

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Jewelled Blenny

Lawnmowerblenny-8646.jpg
Jewelled Blenny

Salarias fasciatus

114 Litres (30 US G.)

10-14 cm (3.9-5.5")

pH

8.2 - 8.4

25 -27 °C (77-80.6°F)

8-18 °d

1:1 M:F

Omnivore
Pellet Foods
Flake Foods
Other (See article)

3-5 years

Family

Blenniidae

This animal is available captive bred



Additional names

Jewelled Blenny, Lawnmower Blenny, Sailfin Blenny, Jeweled Rockskipper, Rock Blenny, Horned Blenny

Additional scientific names

Blennius fasciatus, Salarias quadripennis


Sexing

Males are usually more stocky, with a larger head,and shows some "growths" where the anal fin starts. They are also more dominant and territorial.


Tank compatibility

Tank mates must be considered carefully for this fish. It will not tolerate other Jewelled Blennys, and may attack other species of Blenny or Goby also. Adult Jewelled Blennys have been seen to attack much larger fish including Tangs and Angels. Only keep with robust, but not aggressive, fish. May also nip at coral and clams when adult.


Diet

A herbivorous fish, this Blenny will primarily feed on algae, including hair algae, on live rock, sand, glass and any other decor, if this is not available the fish can be supplemented with with vegetarian flake food and pellets, it may also take mysis shrimp. As adults their diet becomes less algae-based.


Feeding regime

Supplement when necessary, at least once or twice a week. When adult it will need daily feeding. May also take flake/pellet food meant for other fish.


Environment specifics

Prefers a spacious tank well stocked with algae and plenty of hiding places provided. Sensitive to water conditions, needs an SG of 1.020 - 1.025.


Behaviour

Peaceful if kept in the right environment, will be territorial towards other Blennys or other fish with the same body shape, as well as other fish that wander too near.
Its jaw forms a hard chopping edge, which is uses to harvest algae deposits. This often leaves "blenny kisses" on flat surfaces. The fish will also use this jaw as a defensive weapon, delivering a concussion-blow to any fish or invertebrate that attempts to confront the Blenny head-on. They can also be very bold when feeding - they will hit-and-run a crab with algae on its shell, and will charge out to grab flake-food before its tank mates can get it.
The Blenny will generally establish a home in a hole in the rockwork, and will stay in its home during the night and when scared. They are very social; once they establish a relationship with other fish and humans, they will come out of their home to interact. When unfamiliar people or fish are introduced, the Blenny will retreat to its home. Lawnmower Blennies have a camouflage reflex. They will turn darker to blend in to the shadows when agitated or scared.


Identification

The body of this Blenny is mottled with some vertical dark bands on a pale base with some blue spots.

Pictures

Videos

External links