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