Salarias fasciatus

Datasheet

General Description

The Jewelled blenny, scientifically known as Salarias fasciatus, is a member of the Blenniidae family. These fish are commonly found in aquariums due to their ability to combat algae growth by scraping off filamentous algae and detritus from rocks and glass surfaces. They are characterized by an oblong shape, a long dorsal fin, and the interesting trait of being able to change their coloring based on their surroundings.

Aquarium Suitability

Considered suitable for aquariums, the Jewelled blenny is a hardy species that can thrive in both small and large tank setups. However, they require a tank size of at least 400 liters due to their territorial and potentially aggressive behavior towards other Blennies and certain food competitors like Surgeonfish and Rabbitfish. It is important to note that they primarily feed on algae and may not readily accept dry foods, making a sufficient algae growth necessary for their diet.

Care and Hardiness

With a hardy nature, these blennies are known to be effective algae-eaters, consuming substantial amounts of algae from rocks, particularly green hair algae and filamentous algae. They are capable of adapting to varying water conditions within the parameters of pH 8.1-8.4, a temperature range of 22.2-25.6°C, and a salinity level of 1.020-1.025, with a carbonate hardness (kh) of 8-12.

Reef Suitability

Considered always reef safe, the Jewelled blenny is a suitable addition to reef aquariums, provided there is ample algae for them to feed on. Their algae-diet preference makes them beneficial for maintaining the algae balance within reef ecosystems.

Aquarium Setup

When setting up an aquarium for Jewelled blennies, it is essential to ensure the presence of suitable algae growth on rocks and glass for their feeding. Additionally, creating hiding spots with live rocks and providing a territory for each blenny can help minimize potential territorial conflicts. Maintaining stable water parameters within the specified ranges is crucial for their well-being.

Behaviour

Known for their fun and interesting personalities, Jewelled blennies can exhibit territorial behavior, especially towards other blennies and food competitors. Additionally, they have a tendency to jump out of open aquariums, emphasizing the need for secure tank lids to prevent escape.

Feeding and Diet

The recommended diet for Jewelled blennies includes microalgae such as spirulina. While they primarily feed on algae from rocks and glass, some individuals may be trained to accept dry foods. However, this should not be relied upon as a primary food source.

Habitat and Distribution

Native to the Indo-Pacific region, Jewelled blennies can be found in the Red Sea, East Africa, Samoa, the Great Barrier Reef, New Caledonia, and the Ryukyu Islands. They inhabit rocky coastal areas with abundant algae growth, which serves as their primary food source in the wild.