🌿 Lawnmower Blenny (Salarias fasciatus)

The Lawnmower Blenny, also called the Jeweled Blenny, is prized for its algae-eating abilities. This quirky fish with its comical "eyebrow" cirri perches on rocks and methodically grazes algae. While excellent for algae control, they can be picky and may starve if algae runs out.

📋 Quick Facts

⚠️ Important Feeding Consideration

Lawnmower Blennies can starve if algae depletes!

• Need established tank with algae growth
• May refuse prepared foods
• Can starve in "too clean" tanks
• Supplement with nori if natural algae is low

🏠 Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: 40 gallons minimum
• Algae: Needs film/hair algae to graze
• Rockwork: Plenty of perching spots
• Established tank: New tanks lack sufficient algae

🍽️ Diet & Feeding

Primary Diet

• Film algae - Grazes constantly
• Hair algae - Will consume
• Nori/Seaweed - Important supplement
• Spirulina foods

Training to Prepared Foods

• Not all will accept prepared foods
• Offer nori regularly
• Try spirulina pellets
• Some individuals never adapt

🐟 Compatibility

Good Tankmates

• Clownfish
• Tangs
• Most community fish

Avoid

• Other Lawnmower Blennies
• Similar blennies - Territorial

💡 Tips for Success

• Add to tanks with existing algae problem
• Supplement with nori as algae depletes
• Watch for signs of starvation (thin belly)
• One per tank
• Great personality - will "watch" you

📚 Summary

The Lawnmower Blenny is an effective algae grazer with tons of personality. However, they require a tank with sufficient algae growth and may starve in pristine conditions. Add them to tanks with algae problems, not as preventive maintenance. With adequate food, they're hardy, entertaining, and excellent at their job.