Starry Blenny

Looks how to spot one

Stocky combtooth blenny

A chunky bottom-perching blenny with a dark brown, mottled body sprinkled with small white dots, set off by yellowish pectoral and tail fins.3

Personality what they are like

Usually calm and peaceful, though it can get pushy with tankmates that share its body shape.3

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Perches on rocks and hops from spot to spot hunting for algae to graze.3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Best in a mature tank with plenty of natural algae growth; top up its grazing with vegetable-based and herbivore foods.3

Home where they are happiest

Minimum about 30 US gallons (114 L) with lots of rockwork at different levels for grazing and resting. Saltwater at about 22 to 26 °C, pH 8.1 to 8.4, dKH 8 to 12, specific gravity 1.020 to 1.025. Wild fish live in shallow, sheltered inshore reefs and estuaries at 1 to 15 m.31

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Herbivore. Feed algae and vegetable-based preparations alongside what it grazes from the rocks.31

Company who they like around

Keep one per tank unless the aquarium is large enough for a compatible pair. In the wild it is seen alone on rocky outcrops or in small groups near reef rubble.31

The story where it all began

Australian ichthyologist Hans Bath described the species in 1992, making it a fairly recent scientific addition. It turns up now and then in the marine aquarium hobby.21

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List

Least Concern (assessed 2009)1