Care
The Dot-Dash Blenny is known from shallow, clear coastal and outer reefs with rich coral growth, at depths between 1-15m (3.3-49ft). These fascinating, captivating bottom-dwellers require a mature aquarium with a sandy substrate and plenty of live rock to hide amongst and perch on. A spacious, well established tank will ensure an ongoing supply of natural microalgae for the Dot-Dash Blenny to graze upon. Some specimens may take a liking to certain coral species, so observe carefully. This is not so much of a problem if the fish is kept well fed and housed in larger quarters, where attention is spread amongst a large number of corals and so damage to any one piece would be minimal and recovery quick. The Dot-Dash Blenny is usually a fairly peaceful tank inhabitant, but can be very territorial to members of its own kind, closely related species, or small, placid bottom dwellers such as gobies and firefish. For this reason it is best to keep one specimen per tank, unless you can acquire a mated pair. The aquarium must have tight fitting coverslides as these fish are expert jumpers. May also be seen on sale as the Linear Blenny or Lined Combtooth Blenny.
Feeding
Herbivorous. This species does best if a decent growth of microalgae is present in the aquarium for the fish to browse at its leisure. Also offer plenty of vegetable matter, including frozen foods that contain marine algae and Spirulina. Nori (dried seaweed), algae flake and algae wafers formulated for marine fish are usually met with much enthusiasm. If you have space in a well lit sump, microalgae can be cultured on pieces of rock, and occasionally rotated with some of the pieces in the main display aquarium.
Breeding
This species has not been bred in the home aquarium. In the wild these fish form distinct pairs. The eggs, which are demersal and adhesive, are laid in a crevice which is then guarded.
