This is a perfect example of a very happy sub-adult Lawnmower Blenny! He is mowing down nuisance hair algae for the aquarist. It's like a human being surrounded by steak, or for those vegetarians, humus! These helpful gobblers of the green live up to 6 years as stated by some aquarists, however, most only report a life span of 2 to 4 years. This is possibly due to the fact that they need such large amounts of algae to survive, however will resort to meaty foods being offered, which is just not good for them! Make sure your tank is at least 55 gallons with no other algae eaters and your little brown and cream landscaper will be happy as a clam!
What an AWESOME video of the adorably ugly fish we all employ in our tanks at one time or another. The Lawnmower Blenny is a little 5" fish with the appetite of a tang! And he doesn't just stop at ONE type of algae like our picky tangs, he will eat it all! If it is green, it is gone! These guys will even eat the algae off the bases of LPS so the algae won't encroach! Gotto love this fish! Provide ALOT of algae growth and supplement with spirulina flake and sinking pellets! No meaty foods for this herbivore!
This video is a perfect example of the fierce nature the Horseface Blenny has when it comes to guarding their home! This diver caught the blenny biting the tail of the stingray! House in a tank that is at least 75 gallons with no other algae eaters. Other fish should be at least twice their size and not bottom dwellers. They are great in aggressive tanks where they can hold their own against large dottybacks and triggerfish.
This is a great video showing the "horsey" face with the red outer edges of the pectoral fins. They are a darker fish and become mottled at night or when they are afraid. The lighter version is often confused with their 4.7" sister blenny which is actually the TRUE Redlip Blenny, that inhabits the same areas in the Western Atlantic as the Horseface Blenny. The Horseface Blenny grows to 7.5" and it will attack fish over 2ce their size. These blennies have long sharp fangs that will inflict a wound on any fish that wanders close to their territory, as well as a hand passing by! Small specimens are not as aggressive as larger adults.
