Algae Blenny

Aquarium Requirements

Minimum Tank Size: 75 litres (20 US gallons)

Temperature: 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)

pH: 8.1–8.4

Specific Gravity (Salinity): 1.020–1.025

Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH

Ammonia & Nitrite: 0 ppm

Nitrate:< 10 ppm

Aquascape:
Provide a reef environment with abundant live rock for grazing and hiding. Open areas allow active swimming, while crevices and overhangs give shelter. Moderate water flow is preferred to mimic natural reef currents.

Diet and Feeding

The Algae Blenny is primarily herbivorous, grazing continuously on algae. In captivity, supplemental feeding is important to maintain health:

Recommended Foods:

• Dried seaweed (nori) or macroalgae sheets

• Spirulina-based flakes or pellets

• Frozen herbivore blends

• Occasional small meaty foods (brine shrimp, mysis) for variety

Feed multiple small portions daily. Providing ample algae-covered surfaces ensures natural grazing behavior and prevents nutritional deficiencies.

Temperament and Compatibility

The Algae Blenny is peaceful and non-aggressive, generally compatible with most reef fish.

Suitable Tankmates:

• Most peaceful species including clownfish, gobies, tangs, and wrasses

• Other small blennies with adequate territory

Avoid:

• Very aggressive or territorial species that may stress the blenny

They can be territorial with conspecifics in small tanks, but generally coexist peacefully in larger systems.

Reef Compatibility

✅ Reef Safe

Algae Blennies are considered fully reef safe, as they primarily graze on algae and do not harm corals or sessile invertebrates. They provide a natural benefit by controlling nuisance algae growth.

Additional Information

Maximum Size: 10–12 cm (4–5 inches)

Lifespan: 5–7 years in captivity

Difficulty Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Natural Behavior: Constant algae grazer, active swimmer, sometimes territorial toward conspecifics

Origin: Indo-Pacific – East Africa to the central Pacific

Coloration: Mottled brown with pale stripes, blending well with rock surfaces

Summary

The Algae Blenny (Salarias fasciatus) is a hardy, reef-safe species ideal for beginner and intermediate aquarists. It requires ample live rock, moderate water flow, and a diet rich in algae to thrive. With proper care, it serves both as a natural algae cleaner and an active, engaging reef tank inhabitant, reaching up to 12 cm and living for several years in a well-maintained aquarium.