Lawnmower Blenny is a marine fish found in Australasia. It’s also known as the Jewelled blenny.
This fish lives near the ocean floor, on rocks and coral reefs, and in shallow lagoons. You can find them in areas with a mix of coral, sand, and rubble.
These fish are known for eating algae from rocks and glass surfaces but mostly eat detritus (waste material). Algae make up only 15% of their diet.
They get along well with other marine fish species and can live together with other lawnmower blennies.
Lawnmower blennies can change color to blend in with their surroundings and hide from predators.
They are usually found alone in weedy areas on rocks and coral outcrops.
Lawnmower blennies don’t have fangs or venom glands, making them safe for reef aquariums.
Lawnmower Blenny Interesting Facts
- Lawnmower blennies can change color to blend into their surroundings, helping them hide from predators.
- These fish mostly eat detritus (waste material), and only 15% of their diet consists of algae.
- They lay adhesive eggs that remain attached to surfaces until they hatch into planktonic larvae.
- Lawnmower blennies are safe for reef tanks.
Lawnmower Blenny Habitat
Lawnmower blenny is found in the Indo-Pacific region.
Its habitat ranges from the Red Sea and East Africa to Samoa, north to Japan’s Ryukyu Islands, and south to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and New Caledonia.
This fish lives in marine or brackish environments near reefs at depths of 0 to 8 meters.
It prefers tropical climates between 30°N to 23°S latitudes and 32°E to 169°W longitudes.
| Water Temperature: | Unknown |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Lawnmower Blenny Physical Characteristics
Size: 5.5 inches (14.0 centimeters)
Lawnmower blenny grows up to 5.5 inches (14.0 centimeters) in length.
This fish has 12 dorsal spines, 18 to 20 dorsal soft rays, 2 anal spines, and 19 to 21 anal soft rays.
The fish has many light spots, dark streaks near the front, and some darker bands on its body.
Lawnmower Blenny Reproduction
Lawnmower blennies reproduce by laying eggs. During this process, the fish forms unique pairs.
They lay eggs that stick to surfaces using an adhesive pad or pedestal.
The eggs are found at the bottom of the water (demersal) and stay attached until they hatch into planktonic larvae.
These larvae often live in shallow coastal waters.
Lawnmower Blenny Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Blenniiformes |
| Family: | Blenniidae |
| Genus: | Salarias |
| Scientific Name: | Salarias fasciatus |
| Also Known As: | Lawnmower Blenny, Jewelled Blenny |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |