
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Salarias fasciatus
A blenny that eats algae and cleans tank. Popular for humorous facial expression.
The lawnmower or jewelled blenny (Salarias fasciatus) is found on shallow reefs across the Indo-Pacific. Adults reach 10-13 cm; the mottled brown camouflage, large eyes, thick lips and head cirri give it a comic face. It is strongly herbivorous, rasping filamentous algae off rock with comb-like teeth, and is usually bought as an algae-control fish. Do not lean on it too hard, though: once the tank's algae are grazed out it starves easily, and a sunken belly means it needs supplementary nori or a vegetable-based prepared food. It spends much of the day perched on rock with its fins propped. It fights conspecifics and similar-shaped blennies, so keep one per tank.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Lawnmower Blenny lives 4-6 years.
The Lawnmower Blenny grows to 10-13cm.
The ideal temperature for the Lawnmower Blenny is 24〜26℃.
Origin
Australasia
Lifespan
4-6 years
Size
10-13cm
Sources: LiveAquaria
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / Ministry of the Environment Specified Animal List / Ministry of the Environment: List of Designated Invasive Species
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Find listings for this species
Temperature
24〜26℃
Algae, Pellets
Starves without algae, train to eat pellets
Keep the water at 24–26°C and specific gravity around 1.023–1.025. Adults reach 10–13cm and do best where filamentous algae grows on rock.
It fights with its own kind and similarly shaped blennies, so keep one per tank. Few problems with other fish.
A herbivore that scrapes filamentous algae off rock with comb-like teeth. Do not treat it purely as a cleaner; supplement with nori sheets and plant-based pellets.
It rests on rocks with its fins raised. Arrange live rock to provide both algae-covered surfaces and resting spots.
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Lawnmower Blenny is 24〜26℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Lawnmower Blenny is 4-6 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Lawnmower Blenny typically reaches 10-13cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Lawnmower Blenny feeds on: Algae, Pellets. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Lawnmower Blenny varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 18, 2026