About Starry Blenny

The Starry Blenny is a beautiful and useful algae-eating blenny with a dark body covered in light spots that resemble stars. Native to the Indo-Pacific, these blennies are excellent at controlling algae in reef tanks. They have a distinctive appearance with cirri (appendages) on their head and expressive eyes. Starry Blennies are peaceful but territorial toward other blennies and need plenty of live rock for grazing. They are hardy fish that adapt well to aquarium life and make interesting, active additions to peaceful reef communities.

Care Guide

Care Requirements

Tank Setup

Starry Blennies need established tanks with plenty of algae and live rock.

Essential Setup:

  • 30+ gallons
  • Established tank: Needs natural algae growth
  • Live rock for grazing
  • Caves or hiding spots
  • Tight-fitting lid (jumpers)
  • Temperature 72-78°F

Water Quality

  • Temperature: 72-78°F (22-25.5°C)
  • pH: 8.1-8.4
  • Specific Gravity: 1.020-1.025
  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
  • Nitrate: <20 ppm
  • Phosphate: <0.03 ppm

Feeding

Herbivores requiring algae:

  • Natural algae: Primary food (must have algae growth)
  • Algae sheets (nori)
  • Frozen Mysis shrimp
  • Marine herbivore pellets
  • Vegetables: blanched spinach

Important: Will starve in new tanks without algae. Add only to established tanks.

Behavior & Compatibility

Peaceful but territorial:

  • Peaceful: Good reef community fish
  • Territorial: To other blennies
  • Active: Constantly grazing
  • Perching: Sit on rocks watching

Good Tank Mates:

  • Clownfish
  • Tangs
  • Cardinalfish
  • Dartfish
  • Gobies
  • Peaceful reef fish

Avoid:

  • Other blennies (territorial conflict)
  • Aggressive fish
  • Same species (unless mated pair)

Algae Control

  • Graze constantly: On rocks and glass
  • Hair algae: Will eat
  • Film algae: Primary food
  • Control algae: Excellent for algae management

Jumping Risk

  • Excellent jumpers: Can clear gaps
  • Secure lid: Absolutely required
  • Startle easily: Jump when frightened

Special Features

  • Cirri: Head appendages
  • Starry pattern: White spots on dark body
  • Expressive eyes: Watch the world
  • Personality: Interesting behaviors

Breeding

Not commonly bred:

  • Egg layers
  • Male guards eggs
  • Difficult in aquariums

Tips for Success

  • Add only to established tanks with algae
  • One per tank (territorial)
  • Secure lid essential
  • Excellent algae control
  • Peaceful reef member
  • Needs algae to thrive

Compatible Tank Mates

🐠 Clownfish
🐠 Tangs
🐠 Cardinalfish
🐠 Dartfish
🐠 Gobies