More info
Datasheet
| Minimum Tank Size | 400 litres / 105.67 US gallons |
| Maximum Size | 15.0cm / 5.91inches |
| Reef Compatible | Often reef safe |
| Temperament | Might be aggressive towards similar species |
| Temperature | 22.2°C / 71.96°F - 25.6°C / 78.08°F |
| Specific Gravity | 1.020-1.025 |
| Carbonate Hardness | 8-12 |
| pH | 8.1-8.4 |
General Description
The Lined rockskipper, scientifically known as Istiblennius lineatus, belongs to the Blenniidae family. These fish have an oblong shape with a long dorsal fin, growing up to a maximum size of 15.0cm. They are primarily found in the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the Laccadive Islands to Mangaréva and even Guam in the Western Central Pacific.
Aquarium Suitability
With a hardiness categorization of "Hardy" and a minimum tank size requirement of 400 liters, the Lined rockskipper is considered suitable for aquariums with proper care. Thriving on their own, they are known to be reef safe when well-fed. However, they may exhibit aggression towards similar species in the tank.
Care and Hardiness
These fish are effective algae-eaters, consuming various algae types from rocks and glass. Lined rockskippers are best kept in well-established aquariums with ample algae growth as their primary food source. They can also be fed microalgae like spirulina if necessary, and they may nibble on soft corals if food is lacking.
Reef Suitability
Often considered reef-safe, Lined rockskippers can coexist in reef setups if well-fed. They have been observed nibbling on soft corals and LPS corals when there is insufficient algae available in the tank.
Aquarium Setup
For optimal care, it is essential to have a well-maintained aquarium with abundant algae on rocks and stones for the Lined rockskippers to graze on. Keep an eye on the algae levels, as insufficient algae growth may require more frequent feeding with algae-rich foods like spirulina.
Behaviour
These fish are known for their unique personality and tendency to jump out of open aquariums. They prefer to forage for algae on their own and may display aggression towards similar species, making it crucial to monitor their behavior in a community tank.
Feeding and Diet
Lined rockskippers primarily feed on algae, especially green hair algae and filamentous algae. While some individuals may be trained to accept dry foods, it is advisable to maintain a diet rich in microalgae like spirulina to supplement their algae consumption.
Dimorphism and Captive Reproduction
There is insufficient information available on the dimorphic features and captive reproduction of Lined rockskippers. Further research is needed to understand their reproductive behavior in aquarium settings.
Habitat and Distribution
In the wild, Lined rockskippers are commonly found in regions spanning from the East Indian Ocean to the Central/West Pacific, including Australia, Japan, The Red Sea, and Indonesia. Their habitat typically includes rocky areas with robust algae growth, providing them with ample food sources for their dietary needs.