Molly Miller Blenny

The Molly Miller Blenny (Scartella cristata). It is a peaceful to semi-aggressive species that is reef-safe with caution, admired for its unique mottled coloration, algae-eating habits, small size, and quirky personality.

Males typically develop more vivid coloration and may show territorial behavior, especially when defending their chosen rock crevice, while females/juveniles are generally duller in appearance and less territorial.

They reach about 4 inches in adult size and should be housed in aquariums of at least 30 gallons. Provide ample live rock with hiding spots and grazing surfaces, along with a sandy substrate and open swimming space. Ensure stable water parameters (salinity ~1.020–1.025, temp ~72–79°F, pH ~8.1–8.4), and a secure lid since they are known jumpers.

Diet should consist of algae, copepods, mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, and high-quality pellets formulated for herbivores, as they are excellent algae grazers but will also accept meaty foods. With proper care, this fish makes a hardy, active, and useful addition to the aquarium—especially valued for controlling nuisance algae and even pests like Aiptasia.

International Aquatics Quarantine & Guarantee: All fish are checked by marine vets, given a formalin bath, and held for 14 days in copper-treated systems. We feed Selcon-soaked food with Kanaplex and Metroplex during quarantine. Unless marked, all livestock comes with our 15-Day Guarantee. You will receive a video of your fish eating before shipment. On request, we also send photos/videos after arrival at IA. Some species are import-to-order (3-10 business days). Many common species are already cleared or near the end of QT.

Several species will be import-to-order and may take anywhere from 3-10 business days to secure. Once your fish is secured, you will be notified, and the quarantine process will then begin.