Scartella cristata

Datasheet

General Description

The Molly Miller (Scartella cristata) is a member of the Blenniidae family, characterized by their oblong shape, long dorsal fin, and sometimes small "legs" for movement. These fish are not usually large and come in various colors, with a lively personality that appeals to many aquarists.

Aquarium Suitability and Demands

While the suitability for aquariums is unknown, the Molly Miller can be housed in both small and large tanks, provided they have ample algae for grazing and a well-established environment.

Care and Hardiness

Considered hardy, these fish thrive in aquariums with a robust algae supply as their primary food source. Ensuring a varied diet that includes algae-based foods like plant-based flakes or Nori seaweed is crucial for maintaining their health.

Reef Suitability

Molly Millers are deemed always reef safe, making them a compatible choice for reef tank setups.

Aquarium Setup

To set up an aquarium for Molly Millers, it is advisable to have at least a 150-liter tank with a well-maintained environment rich in algae for grazing. Supplementing their diet with algae-rich foods like Spirulina is essential, especially if natural algae levels are insufficient.

Behaviour

These fish may exhibit aggression towards similar species, so care should be taken when housing them with other fish that have similar characteristics.

Feeding and Diet

Their diet should include a variety of foods such as macroalgae (seaweed/nori), microalgae (spirulina), small crustaceans (krill, mysis, artemia), and zooplankton (Cyclops, pods) to ensure their nutritional needs are met.

Habitat and Distribution

Found in the Western Atlantic from Bermuda to Brazil, and the Eastern Atlantic from Mauritania to South Africa, Molly Millers are also present in the Mediterranean Sea and the southern parts of the Pacific and Indian Oceans.