Sailfin Blenny

 Quick Care Facts

• Care Level: Moderate   • Temperament: Peaceful   • Maximum Size: 5"
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons   • Water Conditions: 72-80° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
• Diet: Herbivore   • Origin: Indo-Pacific
• Family: Blenniidae   • Species: Blennies   • Aquarium Type: Reef Compatible

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The Sailfin Blenny is a cute and easily identifiable species with an entertaining and inquisitive personality. Sailfin Blennies are common among the coral reefs throughout the tropical Indo-Pacific, where they have earned their other common nicknames of Algae Blenny and Sailfin Lawnmower Blenny due to their efficiency at consuming various marine algae. Sailfin Blennies have bushy cirri (whisker-like appendages) protruding from the top of the head (between the eyes) and are equipped with combed teeth for algae grazing. Sailfin Blennies should only be added to well established systems that already contain sufficient marine algae growth along with stable water conditions.

Sailfin Blennies are quite peaceful, but will quarrel with conspecifics and similar looking species, although they can get along well with heterospecific tank mates that are not overly aggressive. Sailfin Blennies are an ideal choice for nano aquariums as they have a great personality and the added benefit of helping to control nuisance marine algae within their environment. They are readily available within the hobby and can be purchased from local and online retailers.

Sailfin Blennies should be housed in an established aquarium of at least 30 gallons and they require a sufficient amount of live rock for grazing, perching and hiding. Blennies can be excellent jumpers and it's recommended that they be housed in an aquarium with a tightly sealed and secure hood. They also prefer stable water conditions and levels should be regularly checked and maintained with quality biological and mechanical filtration along with routine maintenance and scheduled water changes; the use of a protein skimmer is also recommended.

They are generally a peaceful species, but shouldn't be housed with conspecifics or other species with a similar appearance; although they can coexist with many heterospecific tank mates, they should not be kept with overly aggressive fish that will cause them harm or constant stress. They are usually a reef-friendly fish, but they have been reported to pick at coral polyps and clam mantles if under fed.

Sailfin Blennies are herbivores and that consume various species of marine algae within their natural habitat. In the home aquarium they should be provided with a wide variety of live or prepared marine algae, vegetable matter, and high-quality, Spirulina-based, prepared foods for omnivores and herbivores; in addition to these food items, they will also graze on ornamental and nuisance algae already present in their aquarium. Feed twice per day, but only what they will consume in a few minutes.