Starry Blenny (Salarias ramosus)

The Starry Blenny is a popular and charming fish known for its unique appearance and algae-grazing habits. With its dark body covered in white or light blue star-like spots and a distinctive “eyebrow” above each eye, this blenny is as entertaining as it is useful. The Starry Blenny is an active grazer, spending its time perched on rocks and grazing on algae, making it a great addition to a reef tank as part of the cleanup crew. Its peaceful nature and small size make it an excellent choice for tanks with a variety of reef-safe inhabitants.

Care Information

• Maximum Size: Up to 5 inches.
• Tank Size: 30 gallons minimum; prefers a tank with plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding.
• Diet: Herbivorous; primarily feeds on algae and biofilm found in the tank. It may accept algae-based prepared foods, such as algae wafers or seaweed strips, especially in tanks with limited natural algae growth.
• Water Temp: 72-78°F.
• Salinity: 1.020-1.025.
• Aggression: Peaceful; generally non-aggressive, though it may display territorial behavior toward other blennies in smaller tanks.
• Skill Level: Beginner; hardy and easy to care for, suitable for aquarists of all experience levels.
• Reef Compatibility: Reef-safe; does not harm corals or other invertebrates, making it a valuable addition to reef tanks for algae control.

Special Feature - Algae Control
The Starry Blenny is an effective algae grazer, constantly feeding on various types of algae around the tank, helping to keep rock surfaces and glass clean. It’s especially useful in reducing nuisance algae and helps maintain a balanced ecosystem.

Compatibility
This blenny is peaceful and can coexist with a wide variety of tankmates, including other peaceful reef fish and invertebrates. Avoid housing with other blennies in smaller tanks to prevent territorial disputes.

Coloration

• Indo-Pacific Region: The Starry Blenny has a dark brown to black body with white or light blue star-like spots, giving it a unique celestial appearance that adds a charming visual element to the tank​.

Typical Habitat

• Distribution: Found throughout the Indo-Pacific, particularly in rocky and reef environments where it can perch and graze. In aquariums, it thrives in tanks with plenty of live rock and stable conditions.