Salarias ramosus
| Identification | Mottled brown-grey body covered in white spots resembling stars; typical blenny body shape with a large head, comb-like teeth, and cirri above the eyes. |
| Maximum Length | 5.5 inches |
| Origin | Indo-Pacific — Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Philippines, Micronesia |
| Minimum Tank Size | 30 gallons |
| Reef Compatibility | Yes — excellent algae grazer for reef tanks |
Behavior
The Starry Blenny is one of the most effective and popular algae grazers in the reef hobby, often preferred over the Lawnmower Blenny for its hardiness and personality. It constantly grazes over rocks, glass, and substrate consuming filamentous algae, microalgae, and diatoms. It has a comical personality, perching on rocks and using its pectoral fins to prop itself up while watching the aquarium. Generally peaceful, it may be territorial toward other blennies.
Diet & Feeding
Herbivore. Primarily grazes microalgae and filamentous algae off rocks and glass. Supplement with dried nori on a clip, spirulina flakes, and herbivore pellets — especially important in new tanks with limited algae growth.
Cautions
May nip at LPS coral polyps and clam mantles if insufficient algae is available — keep well fed. One blenny per tank unless the aquarium is very large. Needs established algae growth to thrive; may not do well in brand new tanks.