Lenny ... The Lawn Mower Blenny

(Salarias fasciatus)

Also known as an Algae Blenny and Jeweled Blenny

Of all our critters, he's probably the fish with the most character. Seeing as he looks like something from a Dr. Suess book, that's no suprise. He is a very entertaining guy.

The star of the tank!


Easily the biggest fish in the tank (so far), he's something else to watch. I'm not sure how it's possible, but he is an amazing combination of grace, and clumsiness. His movements seems awkward and smooth at the same time.

Also, when he eats, he puts his WHOLE body into each chomp. So it looks like his bite could break a rock in two, but he actually does no damage to whatever is serving as his plate at that time. And, when he takes his bites of the algae off the glass, he leaves behind the signiture of his species: little kiss marks.

Just take a look in this next shot. Notice that while he appears gray and plain in coloring, if you look closely, you actually can see subtle, yet bright, reds and blues in him. He can be quite beautiful, in an ugly kind of way.



While most things live in plain view, in the front of the tank, Lenny lives on the other side of the tracks, with a nice window view of...my wall. Oddly enough, the only time he swims to the front of the tank, is to take a dump (which can rival a horses at times). But I digress...

This is MY yard!


His wierd shape and varying shades of gray help him easily blend into the rock work. While it might not be too hard for you to find him in this picture, a predetor would find it difficult to spot him.

Where's Waldo? How about Where's Lenny!


As I said before, he's full of character, and almost ALWAYS will make you chuckle if you are patient enough. But just like that friend of yours who swears that they won't do karaoke, Lenny needs some time to warm up to the idea of showing off.

So if you sit down in front of the tank, and wait about 10 minutes, he'll sneak up behind a rock, peak his head over the rock, and watch you for a mintute. Then, if you don't startle him, he'll begin his show.

Here he is (right)...trying to see whether you want a show, or if you want to eat him.

"Okay...You seem harmless. I Guess I can come out and do my thang!"

Everybody do the "Lenny Shuffle!!!".
(Apperantly, it involves shakin' your hips, and puttin' your fins in the air,
and waving them like you just don't care).


Blennidae are fish that are FULL of character. The only downfall is that they don't get along with other fish that are the same shape as them. But you really only need one. I HIGHLY recommend getting a Blenny!

Added to the tank on March 6th, 2005 from The Pet Loft, in Mt Airy, MD


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Last updated 10/13/05