Starry Blenny

The Starry Blenny is an attractive and characterful algae-grazing species closely related to the popular Lawnmower Blenny. Its dark brown to nearly black body is densely covered with tiny white to pale blue dots, creating a starry night sky effect that gives it both its common name and significant visual appeal. Like other combtooth blennies, it has a blunt head with expressive eyes and a wide, flat mouth adapted for scraping algae from hard surfaces.

This species serves a similar functional role to the Lawnmower Blenny, actively grazing on filamentous and microalgae throughout the day. However, the Starry Blenny tends to be slightly more assertive in temperament, occasionally chasing other bottom-dwelling fish or blennies from its preferred grazing territory. This semi-aggressive streak is most pronounced in smaller tanks where territory is limited.

The Starry Blenny is hardy and adapts well to captive conditions, making it suitable for beginners. It requires a mature aquarium with sufficient algae growth to support its grazing habits, or supplemental algae-based foods must be provided. Like the Lawnmower Blenny, it can starve in immaculately clean tanks. It is best kept singly and should not be housed with other blenny species in small to medium aquariums to avoid territorial disputes.