Introduction
The Lawnmower Blenny (Salarias fasciatus) is an interesting fish that is native to the Indo-pacific region of the world and can be found in the reefs and lagoons of the Australian and New Guinea coasts. It is an active, lively fish that makes an engaging pet for those interested in building their own little fishy ecosystem. Its amusing show of behaviors and propensity to keep a clean tank make it a favorite among aquarists of all levels.
History and Origin
Lawnmower blennies are believed to have originated in the Indo-Pacific region, where they were initially seen as pests by coral reef dwellers. They were targeted for their tendency to hover near the coral and feed on the algae. These fish were then caught and kept in captivity in the early 20th Century, in order to be studied by scientists. As their popularity grew, they were eventually available to hobbyists from Australia, New Zealand, and South-East Asia.
Appearance and Behavior
The Lawnmower Blenny is characterized by a slim black body, along with yellow spots over its head and fins. It’s variations may also include blue, yellow and white in its scales. Its maximum length is up to five inches, and the average size of an adult Blenny is around 4 inches. It has a laterally compressed body, with two dorsal fins which keep it balanced while swimming.
This fish is an active swimmer that is constantly in search of food. They are constantly busy devouring the algae from rocks and glass surfaces and will often perch on live rock structures, from where they can capture their prey. It also has a very interesting display of behaviors, like chasing and playing with its own reflection in the glass.
Care Guide
The Lawnmower Blenny tends to great aquariums with live rock growth, as they feed on the various algae and organisms growing on them. When kept in aquaria, they should be fed with freeze-dried Clam, shrimp, and brine, which can be supplemented with frozen fish food occasionally.
When housing this species, it is important to give them ample space to swim, as they tend to be active and enjoy exploratory behavior. The temperature of the aquarium should be maintained between 72 to 78°F and the pH at 8.1–8.4. It should also be kept in a tank of at least 30 gallon capacity for an adult size.
Compatibility with Other Fish
The Lawnmower Blenny is a peaceful species, and can coexist peacefully with other fishes of similar size and temperament. They make a great addition to community tanks. The Blenny should not be kept with aggressive species, as it may be stressed and become more susceptible to disease.
Summary
The Lawnmower Blenny is a fascinating and hardy species, that can be a great addition to any reef aquarium. Its constant activity, interesting behavior and its ability to help keep the tank clean make it an attractive pet for all levels of aquarists. While they will coexist peacefully with other fish, they should not be kept with aggressive species. When caring for them, it is important to provide an ample tank to swim, an optimal temperature and pH, as well as a varied diet that contains frozen and freeze-dried fish food. With the right care and environment, the Lawnmower Blenny can be an entertaining addition to a home aquarium.
