Lawnmower blenny reef compatibility check
Salarias fasciatus
Lawnmower blenny (Salarias fasciatus) is a beginner-level blenny that needs at least 30 gallons. It is listed as reef safe; do not rely on a sterile new tank for grazing. Temperament is peaceful and adults reach about 5 inches. Add it as middle-stage livestock once the tank is at least 2 months old.
Useful grazer when the tank can support herbivore feeding beyond nuisance algae.
Who it is for
Good fit for
- ✓ Tanks of 30+ gallons at the animal's adult size.
- ✓ Beginners following a slow, planned stocking order.
- ✓ Reef tanks with corals and invertebrates.
- ✓ Peaceful community tanks.
Not a fit for
- ✕ Tanks under 30 gallons, even while it is small.
- ✕ New tanks; wait until the system is about 2+ months old.
- ✕ Do not rely on a sterile new tank for grazing.
Compatibility warnings
- Do not rely on a sterile new tank for grazing.
- Check adult size against the final tank, not the fish or coral at purchase size.
- Add livestock slowly so the bioload and nutrient export can keep up.
- Use the planner when this animal changes the tank-size, flow, lighting, or stocking plan.
Professional planning context
- Use the 30 gallon minimum as an adult-planning floor; display length, aquascape, and existing tankmates can raise that floor.
- Hold this entry until the system has at least 2 months of maturity or equivalent stability evidence.
- Professionals should model aggression by territory and introduction order, not only by care level.
Tank fit and maturity gate
ReefCrafter uses 30 gallons as the planning floor for adult size, swimming room, nutrient load, and aggression margin.
This animal should wait until the tank has enough age, food web stability, or parameter history.
Care notes
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Reef safety
- Safe
- Adult size
- 5 in
- Placement
- Build dependent
- Diet
- Algae films plus prepared herbivore foods.
- Flow
- Varied
- Light
- None
- Bioload
- 1.2
- Stocking stage
- Middle
Related species
- Midas blenny
Same 30-gallon floor.
- Tailspot blenny
20+ gallons.
- Azure damselfish
Same 30-gallon floor.
- Banded pipefish
Same 30-gallon floor, expert care, reef caution.
Equipment that fits
- Red Sea MAX NANO G2 XL Reef System (33 Gal)
33-gallon display, above this animal's 30-gallon floor.
- Waterbox AIO 35.2 Aquarium System (33 gallons)
33-gallon display, above this animal's 30-gallon floor.
- Waterbox MARINE X 60.2 Aquarium System (36 gallons)
36-gallon display, above this animal's 30-gallon floor.
Related reading
Questions
What size tank does the lawnmower blenny need?
ReefCrafter plans for at least 30 gallons, based on an adult size of about 5 inches, plus swimming room, nutrient load, and aggression margin. Use the adult size, not the size at purchase.
Is the lawnmower blenny reef safe?
It is listed as reef safe in ReefCrafter's catalog. Watch for: Do not rely on a sterile new tank for grazing.
Is the lawnmower blenny good for beginners?
Yes. It is rated beginner care, though it should wait until the tank is about 2+ months old.
When should I add the lawnmower blenny to my tank?
ReefCrafter treats it as middle-stage livestock for a tank at least 2 months old. Add livestock slowly so nutrient export keeps up.