Common name: Fringelip blenny

General information

The Starface Blenny, scientifically known as Salarias sinuosus, is a distinctive and engaging species popular among reef aquarium enthusiasts. This small fish is renowned for its unique appearance, characterized by a mottled pattern of brown and white that provides excellent camouflage against the reef. The 'starface' moniker comes from the star-like patterns around its eyes.

Starface Blennies are part of the Blenniidae family, which are known for their incredible adaptability and hardiness. They are often seen perching on rocks or coral, darting quickly to snatch food or evade predators.

Care

Caring for a Starface Blenny is relatively straightforward, making it a suitable choice for both novice and experienced aquarists. They require an established tank with plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding. These blennies are herbivores, primarily feeding on algae, so ensuring a steady supply of natural or supplemental algae is crucial for their well-being.

Reproduction

In the wild, Starface Blennies are oviparous, with males often guarding and aerating the eggs until they hatch. Breeding them in captivity can be challenging, as it requires replicating their natural environment and social structures.

Habitat

Salarias sinuosus is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to Samoa, north to the Ryukyu Islands, and south to the Great Barrier Reef and New Caledonia. They inhabit shallow, coral-rich areas and tidal pools, often seen at depths of 1 to 5 meters.

Their natural habitat includes a variety of microhabitats, which should be mimicked in the home aquarium to provide a sense of security and natural living conditions for these blennies.