Saltcorner
By Bob Goemans
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Scartella

Scartella cristata

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Molly Miller Blenny

Likely Reef Tank Suitable

Likely Fish-Only Tank Suitable

Range: Western Atlantic Ocean: Bermuda, Florida, northern Gulf of Mexico to Brazil and also in the Mediterranean Sea.

Size: 5 inches (12 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits intertidal zones and shallow coastal reefs and usually found between depths of 3 – 30 feet (1 – 10 m) where it mainly feeds upon filamentous algae, diatoms, tiny crustaceans, and detritus.

General Husbandry: Occasionally seen in the trade, and having a mottled tan body with white and black blotches.

Can be maintained in reef or fish-only aquariums having rocky areas with caves to hide/explore, and if feasible, containing heavy growths of algae to feed upon.

Requires a mixed diet of vegetable matter and meaty foods, frozen or dried foods including flake foods, and should be fed as often as necessary to maintain its health.

Taxonomy:

    Order: Perciformes

    Suborder: Blennioidei

    Family: Blenniidae

    Genus: Scartella

FYI: May eat small snails and ornamental shrimp.

One per aquarium.

May consume cyanobacteria/slime algae and other types of microalgae.

Lack a swim bladder, stays mostly on the bottom substrate.

A good 'clean up' fish.

Experience Level: Beginner

Temperament: Peaceful

Diet: Omnivore

Coral Safe: Yes

Fish Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: With caution

Acclimation Time: 30 minutes+

Aquarium Environment: Reef or fish-only aquarium

Tankmates: Peaceful

Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons

Temperature Range: 72 - 79°F (22 – 26°C)

Specific Gravity: 1.020 - 1.026

pH: 8.0 - 8.5

 Scartella cristata (Molly Miller Blenny)
Photo © Robert Patzner
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