Gobies, Blennies (comp.) and Clown Tang (size) 4/29/09
Hi Crew.
I value the information on your site greatly. What an excellent resource, thanks. My question is about goby and blenny compatibility. I have a 120 gallon reef that has been running for 3 months upgraded from a 55 reef that has been running for > 1 year. I currently have a scooter blenny and a neon goby. Through "rescuing" some fish from a crashed tank I acquired a bi-color blenny
<An Ecsenius? This genus can be quite territorial>
and an orange spotted goby that was "supposed" to be a diamond goby.
<A member of the genus Valenciennea?>
So I was told. We had a diamond goby that managed to jump the tank (out of a 2" gap, go figure). We would like to get another diamond goby and maybe another neon goby. Will this be too much goby and blenny for this tank?
<Mmm, no... should be fine in a 120 gallon>
One other question if you don't mind, please.
I have found quite a bit of variance in the size of clown tangs ranging 8" to 15". Does anyone have some idea of what the average size is in captivity?
<Likely near 8". I have seen near 12" individuals in the wild, but this size is rare>
He is an amazing active and personable fish that has already grown leaps and bounds, eats like a pig and made it through ich and virus infections.
thanks many times over for your time and advice.
Lynette
<Welcome. Bob Fenner>

Starry Blenny, comp.   9/5/08
Hi Crew,
<Ahh, "little sweet one">
I'm considering adding a Starry Blenny to my 90 gallon reef tank. I'm wondering if they are as territorial to other fish with similar body types and locations in tank as the Lawnmower Blenny.
<Mmm, yes, about the same>
The fish I'm concerned he would harass are a Scooter Blenny, Jawfish, Dragon Goby, Firefish and Clown Goby.
<Very, too likely so here>
I've had a Bicolor Blenny with these in the past and never had any issues.
<Ahh, Ecsenius species, individuals can be easy going to terrors>
Which would be a better choice here, Starry or Bicolor Blenny?
<The latter>
In this size tank would it be possible to keep both?
Thanks,
Melissa
<Risky... and hard to catch, remove if trouble... Bob Fenner>

Marine Compatibility, and Cichlid Feeding Questions 11/9/07
Good day,
<And morrow>
I have a few questions that unfortunately are not really related to each other. The first question is a compatibility question between two fish in my 55 gallon saltwater tank. The tank is approximately 3-4 months old and doing well, in large part due to this website. Thank you. I would like to add a Flame Hawk, as I like their personality and appearance, and heard they are relatively hardy specimens. The other fish I have I'm not worried about getting along with the Flame, but I do have a Starry Blenny (Salarias ramosus). That although is one of my favorite fish, I'm worried that because they both occupy the same general area of the tank, there will be territory issues.
<Might be, yes>
I realize my Starry Blenny is a pretty peaceful fish, however he/she does occasionally chase others in the tank (no damage/bites, and it's only for a brief second). Overall, it's a very peaceful and entertaining fish. My question is, do these 2 fish have a good chance of maintaining a peaceful existence in my 55 gallon tank?
<I only give you even odds here. Likely you'll be able to see overt aggression before damage... but will have to act fast if so>
On an unrelated note, I do have a separate tank that has a Tropheus duboisii, and there's not a whole lot listed about them.
<Oh! Au contraire! There are reams written about the genus, species... even books>
I have read a few articles, however nothing that I've read answers the following: I know they eat a vegetarian diet, and I've read that they can't digest a lot of proteins. I am feeding the cichlid a mix of veggie flakes, however the protein content listed is 37%... That seems high, however I'm not sure what else to feed.... I will continue to read to get suggestions, but will this diet actually hurt my fish?
<Not likely, no>
I will definitely look to other sources so there is a varied diet, but is a brand with 37% protein too high?
<As stated, likely is fine... a good deal depends on the "type, source of protein" (the mix of amino acids) and how they're formulated in the food/s... You could always "make your own"...>
Thanks again for all the help!
Eric
<Do try a wider search re this species... read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/litsrchart.htm
Bob Fenner>

Tail Spot Blenny compatible w/Firefish, Gobies? Not likely here   6/22/07
Hi WWM crew,
<Art>
I am interested in adding a Tail Spot Blenny to my 55-gallon reef tank.
I have been researching Blennies , and my concern is their possible aggression toward firefish and gobies. Currently I have a Helfrichi Firefish, Yashia Goby, Neon Goby, Catalina Goby (I keep the temperature at 74.5 degrees),
<Mmmm>
Blue Gudgeon Dartfish, Mandarin and a Blue Assessor. The gobies are all 1" to 1.5", the Mandarin and Firefish are each about 2" and the Dartfish is almost 3". Is the Tail Spot Blenny likely to cause trouble in my peaceful tank, or is this Blenny more peaceful than the Midas or Bicolor? I am hoping he will be only 1" long, although I have no control over this (purchase size is between .75" and 1.5")
Also is he likely to nip at my corals (mostly mushrooms, LPS, star polyps)?
<Not much>
I only saw this fish today, and amazingly I found one for sale. I have a feeling they are not often imported, but I really like his face, which looks as if Picasso painted it. Any information you could provide re: their compatibility with my fish and corals would be appreciated.
As always, thanks for your advice.
Art
<I would NOT add this fish here... too likely for their to be negative interactions with many of your more peaceful fishes that already occupy similar niches... Bob Fenner>

Blenny questions--oh, and a wrasse/mandarin question!  Comp. Ecsenius, Macropharyngodon,  4/10/07
Good morning and thank you for your wonderful site.
I have just spent a couple of hours reading but I am a little anxious still, so thought I would ask you directly. I ordered a Tailspot blenny(  Ecsenius stigmatura) and was sent a bicolor blenny instead.
<The most common species...>
They will send me the Tailspot soon, but in the meantime, I have to decide what to do with the bicolor. It is currently in my little 14 gallon nano with two pearly Jawfish and a hi-fin banded goby.
<Mmm... not compatible here>
I know he can't stay there. I would like to put him in my 7 year old 150 gallon reef, but I have a large Midas blenny in there and I have had him several years.
<Might go in this sized volume...>
He swims with my lyretail anthias school
<Neat! What this species does in the wild...>
and ignores everyone else, (except very occasionally my flame Hawkfish, not fond of him) but this is another blenny.
<Yes... of the same genus>
Once the bicolor goes in, I can't retrieve him. The midas has one little hole that is his special favorite (to the point that he deliberately knocked a coral   fragment off--I watched him do --that I placed near his cave) so as long as the bicolor avoids that...... Is it worth a try?
<A tough question... I would likely give this fish away ahead of risking real aggression in your 150... And I want to mention I would not place the other Ecsenius in the small tank either...>
Secondly,
I lost my green mandarin after 5 years and so I bought another very large female mandarin recently. I have a spotted female already (this is in the 150 gallon)  and I had read that females get along. (My previous green was a male. ) Well, it turned out I didn't have to worry about the spotted mandarin, because my ornate wrasse just attacked the new mandarin mercilessly, buffeting her and feinting at her, as though biting--it was constant. The strange thing is that the mandarin acted as though nothing was happening
<A strategy of the species... plus their slime is unpalatable...>
and yet the harassment was so vicious and so consistent that I knew she couldn't eat or settle at all. (The wrasse wouldn't even come away from her to eat!  
and he is a pig.) I also know that although he didn't appear to be actually biting her, no obvious wounds)  he does have some teeth and it did seem that the blows from his body would evidently do damage.  
This shocked me because the wrasse has never been a issue with anything, even all the shrimp and snails.  I couldn't catch the wrasse but I did manage somehow to catch the mandarin and I threw her in my 29 gallon nano. I know you will say she can't stay there, but  is there some way I could feed her from the rotifers in the 150 's refugium?
<Yes>
I feed very well, and very diversely and there is plenty of live rock and corals in there. (The nano  is a 3 year old established tank with a small fairy wrasse, a six-line wrasse and a orange spotted shrimp goby with his pistol shrimp )
Patiently awaiting your scolding on the mandarin/nano issue and your advice on the blenny. :)
<Heeee! I wish you were in our neighborhood, so we could visit, I could see your systems>
Thank you very much,
Jeanne
<Bob Fenner>
APOLOGY AND CLARIFICATION
Hello there,
I just sent an e-mail about blennies (and a second question about my mandarin) and I need to clarify. I apparently do NOT have a bicolor blenny that I need to place but a "flametail" listed on their site as Atrosalarias sp. (Does NOT look at all like a lawnmower blenny. Has a small Ecsenius head and body and is dark, almost black with a yellow tail. ) Should be less of a problem since it is not an Ecsenius? Or is this a more aggressive fish?
Jeanne Brown
<Actually, the chances of avoiding WWIII are greatly diminished with this change... This is the species I take it: http://www.vividaquariums.com/10Expand.asp?ProductCode=01-1629-10
I give you good odds that the current Ecsenius will leave this fish alone... now, about that offending Labrid... Bob Fenner>

Lawnmower Blenny With A Taste For Cloves – 4/7/07
Hi,
<Hi there!>
I was wondering if you could help...<Sure hope so!> last week I purchased a lawnmower blenny. <Love ‘em!> I have closely been watching his behavior and have noticed he enjoys chewing on my clove coral <Uh oh>. After speaking to my local fish store, they advised moving the coral but could not advise further. Is this normal behavior and is there anything I can do to salvage my coral without getting rid of my blenny?? <I’ve read reports of these fish occasionally nipping at corals but after watching mine, and knowing what big appetites these fish have, I wonder if they aren’t actually going after bits of algae or tiny invertebrates in amongst the polyps. Although Lawnmower blennies are predominantly herbivorous, mine will go after any pods it spots around the tank. You might try supplementing your blenny’s diet with Nori, or sinking algae wafers. Hopefully, he'll decide that he prefers the readily available food and leave your clove polyps alone!>  
Thanks
Michelle <You’re welcome and good luck! –Lynn>

Blenny Aggression...And A Brackish Puffer In A Marine Tank - 01/10/07
Hi there!
<<Hello!>>
I have looked online and consulted with various people I work with (a large public aquarium) and cannot seem to find a solution to my problem so maybe you can help, or have a different perspective.
<<Let's see what I can do...>>
I have a bicolor blenny, a red firefish, and a figure-eight puffer in a 20 gallon, as well as a decorator crab but I doubt he figures into this equation.
<<Something to mention here...Tetraodon biocellatus is a "slightly brackish water" species and will not fare well in the long-term in a full-strength marine environment.  This species is also best kept as single individuals (it will eventually bite/kill its tankmates), and though a small species (to less than three inches) it likes having some room to roam with minimum recommended tank size being 30-gallons.  You can find much more information re this species by perusing our articles and FAQs.  A good place to start is here, following the associated links in blue:  http://www.wetwebmedia.com/BrackishSubWebIndex/fig8pufffaqs.htm >>
And yes, I know the figure eight is usually brackish...
<Not usually...is>>
All that considered here is my question.  The blenny is getting aggressive with my firefish.  It is not at feeding times, so I doubt the theory that he isn't getting enough to eat.  I thought it could be a territorial/spatial issue.
<<Very likely this "is " the issue>>
I had one big pile of live rock, so I split it into two piles thinking that maybe the blenny would pick one to call his own, but no luck.
<<This tank is too small...does not afford enough "separation">>
He swims between the two like he owns it all. :)
<<Indeed...these blennies generally occupy relatively small territories on the reef (sometimes smaller than a square meter...but still larger than a 20-gallon tank) and will defend vigorously from perceived invaders>>
I have thought about splitting it into three piles, but not sure if this would help.
<<probably not>>
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
<<I'm afraid your best option is to remove one or the other>>
And just as a side note, no one else in the tank is involved in this dispute.
<<Not surprising...only the blenny and the firefish would compete for the same food items/occupy the same niche on the reef.  Nemateleotris magnifica is a peaceful (conspecifics aside) almost timid fish that can be difficult to keep under the best of conditions.  The continued aggression from the blenny will likely result in its demise>>
Thanks a lot!
Robin
<<A pleasure to share, Eric Russell>>

Fish Compatibility (Blennies Mostly) – 12/19/06
First off I'd like to say, great web site.
<<Danka>>
It's been very informative.
<<Good to know>>  
I've been reading ever since my husband moved his 90-gallon tank in 2 yrs ago.  I've never had to ask a question until now.
<<Ask away...>>
My husband and I have a 225-gallon tank with a large refugium and sump.
<<Neat!  I love big tanks>>
It's about a year old with plenty of hairy, wiry, red algae all over our 200+ lbs of live rock.  Currently there are 2 slate urchins and 2 hitchhiking Chitons that are making a very small dent in the algae.
<<Mmm, if this is a goal...you may want to consider a couple Mespilia globulus urchins or a Diadema species such as Diadema setosum or Echinothrix diadema.  The latter is also known as the “longspine urchin” and can reach a foot in diameter (I know...I have one!), and both species might sample some corals if present...though probably no more threat than those slate urchins you already have>>
Originally my husband wanted the "rock skipper blenny" (Blenniella chrysospilos),
<<An attractive fish...for a blenny [grin]>>
but settled for a "lawnmower" (Salarias fasciatus) when he couldn't find the rock skipper.
<<A popular choice>>
We also have a “sailfin blenny" (Emblemaria pandionis).  Yes, these two get along.
<<Excellent>>
Our sailfin has his spot down in the lower right corner making his home amongst some zoanthids.  He'll dart out from his hole, grab some food, and quickly repositions himself back in his little cubby.  The lawnmower is all over the place attacking the red, hairy algae like a mad dog.  My husband finally found the rock skipper he had been looking for, and had to buy it.  It's currently isolated in a breeder tank located on the bottom in an area where both blennies hang out.  We've heard and we’ve read conflicting information on if the rock skipper and the lawnmower can coexist in the same tank.
<<Opinions/experiences vary>>
Is our tank large enough in size for the two to coexist?
<<Likely so, the size of a system can play a large role...though removing the lawnmower blenny, rearranging some of the rockwork, and introducing/reintroducing “both” fishes at the same time could improve the odds they will get along.  In many instances, compatibility issues arise due to the fact one fish is already “established” in a system.  I have a pair of flame angels in my reef system that were acquired and introduced together and as a result get along fine.  This is not a fool-proof method and doesn’t work on every species or every fish, but has its merits in some instances>>
One source thought the lawnmower would be picked on buy the rock skipper.  Another source thought the opposite that the rock skipper would be picked on by the lawnmower.  And somewhere either I read or I dreamt that the two could coexist since they were of different genus and species, or have I gone crazy?
<<Hard to say...if so, it can depend greatly on size/individual aggression of a single individual...and fishes of a different genus or species may still fight if shape/coloration are similar or if they are competing for/are from the same “niche” on the reef...or...like the ubiquitous domino damsel, are just plain mean...>>
Are we wishful in thinking that there is enough live rock with algae and enough swimming space that the two just might get along or are we dreaming?
<<Could work...though supplemental feeding may eventually be required>>
Our only other possibility is to take our “black highfin, jester blenny" (Atrosalarias fuscus) out of the 90 gallon and put the new guy in there.  I really do not want to do that.  I really get a kick out of the black highfin with his marble markings that surface once he's settled into his hole.  My husband wishes to get rid of him.  Says he's lazy and doesn't do his job on the algae.  Any answers to our ordeal?
<<Nothing definitive I’m afraid, just as already stated>>
Oh, one last question.
<<Sure>>  
Everywhere I've read claims the lawnmower and the rock skipper may nip at clam mantles.
<<Is a possibility, yes.  I consider blennies one of the “less safe” of the commonly kept so called “reef safe” fishes.  I have even seen a bi-color blenny munch on noxious colt coral>>
So far the lawnmower has left our clam alone.  Should we be concerned about the lawnmower?
<<May bear watching>>
Any thoughts about the rock skipper disturbing the clam should we introduce it to the tank?
<<Not much to do but keep an eye on things/intervene if necessary>>
Thank you in advance.
Julie and Frank
<<Quite welcome.  Eric Russell>>

Blenny mixing  11/12/06
Hello,
   I have a 65 gallon reef tank, I was wondering if I can add lawnmower blennies in with my black sailfin blennies?    Thanks-Sue
<Mmm, a Salarias species might well fight with any other bottom dwelling fish... I would skip this mix. Bob Fenner>

Betting Against A Blenny?   11/7/06
Hey guys.
<Scott F. your guy tonight!>
I have some questions about Istiblennius chrysospilos. I'm thinking  of getting one for my 30 G tank. It's got a Clark's clown, some LPS  and a small but growing fast colony of Xenia.  I've heard that these blennies "may" nip at stony corals and clams.  Is this a hard and  fast rule, or is it more of a general individualistic behavior for these fish?
<I think it's relatively individualistic. I've kept these fishes, and others of the genus over the years in stony coral-dominated tanks, and I've never had any nipping on corals occur. But that's just me, of course! Other hobbyists have not been so fortunate. If you research them on fishbase.org and other scientific sites, you'll notice that their wild diet mainly consists of algae and small benthic invertebrates. Coral is not specifically indicated in any of the literature that I've seen. Perhaps they are nipping at animals or algae that occur on corals; regardless, nipping is not a good thing for many corals in captive systems, so you'll be taking a small chance if you elect to keep one in a coral system.>
I've also heard some anecdotal evidence that states that coral- nipping fish are less likely to do so if provided a varied diet and  are well-fed. I've got some green hair algae for him to graze on, but my question is how to give a herbivore a varied diet.  I know that the dried Spirulina flakes would be in order, as well as the Nori-on-a-rock industry standard. Are there any other sorts of food I could give this fish (as well as any other herbivore I may have later) a good variety?
Thanks for the help,
Sam
<I would tend to agree with the position that states that variety is the key to avoiding possible damage to your inverts...Again, no guarantees, but plenty of varied, nutritious foods can go a long way towards keeping fishes from nipping at your precious sessile inverts! Hope this helps! Regards, Scott F.>

Nips on Crocea Clam and Plate Coral   7/25/06
I have a small crocea clam and a short tentacle plate coral (Fungia fungites) that recently have been getting half-circle shaped nips, about
2mm wide.  They occur at night, and usually there are just 2-3 nips on each.  The nips are on the edges of the clam mantle, and on the tops of the ridges on the plate coral.  Both the clam and the plate coral have been in the tank for about 9 months, and have been healthy and growing, and thus far, regrow the nipped areas very quickly.   I have not added any new live rock or coral in at least 6 months, so I doubt I have a new hitch-hiker.
<Perhaps an old, getting-larger, hungrier one...>
Fish - Ocellaris Clown, Chalk Basslet, Longnose Hawkfish, Horned Blenny (Parablennius spp.), and a Hawaiian Fourline Wrasse (Pseudocheilinus tetrataenia).  
<These last two might be the culprit here>
Invertebrates - Sally Lightfoot Crab (Percnon gibbesi), (2) small blue-legged hermits (Clibanarius tricolor) and a larger zebra hermit
(Calcinus laevimanus), Margarite snails (Margarites pupillus), Nassarius snails.
<Mmm, note, genera are capitalized... I'll do this for you before posting>
I never see any of these animals on, or hanging around the clam or plate coral.  All of the fish & invertebrates have been in the tank for 1 year+, except the blenny and the basslet.  The crab & the blenny are at the tops of my suspect list, but I don't know how to verify this.  Any suggestions?
<Well... the Percnon is "nippy", but doesn't leave crescent bite marks... I suspect one of the mentioned fishes... number one suspect the blenny... Could remove to elsewhere and see if the bite marks cease... Bob Fenner>
Steve

Re: Nips on Crocea Clam and Plate Coral   7/25/06
Would it be normal for any of these suspects to show absolutely no interest in the clam or plate coral during the day, and then munch on them at night?
<<Lisa here. Yes, that is quite possible.>>

Midas Blenny Compatibility   7/18/06
Hey Crew, <Hey there, Leslie here with you this evening>
May I get your thoughts on adding a Midas Blenny to my mix?
<Sure, they are entertaining and adorable. I love them!>
My LFS has a gorgeous one about 5" long. <Nice>
Tank:  150 gallon, 150 pounds LR, sump, fuge, Euro Reef, MH
Residents (all have been in my tank for at least a year):  2 Purple Tile Fish (2 years!),  Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus cyanopleura), mated pair O. Clowns, 3 green Chromis, Pearly Jawfish, Canary Blenny, LPS.  
<In that size tank I think you should be just fine.>
Many Thanks
<You're most welcome and best of luck with your new fish. Cheers, Leslie>

Will algae blenny ruin my tank's "feel"?   6/18/06
Hello -
<Hi there>
quick question for you (lots of writing, but a quick question <g>)...
I have a roughly 60 gallon tank that someone built for themselves before selling it to me on eBay.  It is 36"x24"x18", so it has more  
"horizontal surface" in the tank than a "standard" 60 gallon (perhaps an important fact given the fish involved, perhaps not).
<Yes>
There is roughly 65 lbs of live rock in the tank (arranged to provide lots of interesting channels, caves, and resting spots for the  
critters listed below), a 4" deep sand bed, and a home made sump/refugium that holds approximately 10 gallons of water (5 of it in the  
refugium section where bubble Caulerpa and Chaetomorpha are working away).  I am also running an EV-120 protein skimmer, and a 4" crocea  
clam in the main tank helps process the water as well.
<Neat>
My plan from the beginning has been to go with all small fish, including several "rock sitters" that tank observers will only notice  
AFTER they've been looking at the corals (mostly SPS and LPS) for awhile and then see the fish suddenly dart from one spot to another.
Current fish/shrimp line-up:
2 percula clowns*
2 purple firefish
1 Rainford's goby (eats a variety of frozen and flake foods in addition to tank critters so he doesn't seem to be starving (knock on wood)!)
1 red head goby (Elac. punct.)
4 green banded gobies (Elac. mult.)
2 peppermint shrimp
2 cleaner shrimp
Down the road, I am hoping to add one of the colorful mandarin "gobies" (Synchiropus) as well.
My question is:
In a separate 12 gallon tank, I have a 3.5" algae blenny that my wife and daughter would like to see in the big tank in the living room  
rather than the little tank in my office.  I, too, think it would be nice to have the fish in a more visible place, but I have the following concern:
I have read in a number of places that they sometimes become fairly territorial, and I would hate for all my gobies to wind up spending  
most of their time in hiding rather than flitting about as they do now.  If the algae blennies only get territorial towards fish with  
similar body shapes, perhaps I am ok for now... but when I add the mandarin, it will be the most "similar" fish in the tank, and I'd  
rather have the mandarin (and the rest of the gobies) than the algae blenny if the WWM Gods declare "thou shall not even think of adding the blenny, Nate."  Would you recommend adding the algae blenny? Not a problem? a huge problem?  or is it truly one of those 50-50 toss- ups dependent on the fish's own personality?
Thanks in advance!
Nate
<Mmm, I share your concern (enough) Nate that I would not place this Salarias/Atrosalarias blenny. Too likely as you state to negatively interact with what you have established, hope to add. Bob Fenner>
* well, I haven't actually counted the spines, but I am thinking probably one true and one false percula, though my LFS sold it to me as "true" when I first got into the hobby.  Anyhow, I bring it up to add to the collective pool of "captive clownfish lore"... the true percula is a fairly recent addition to the tank, and it came from the wild, whereas the first one was definitely tank raised.  Though it has not fully adopted my branching hammer coral yet (as I have read they sometimes do in captivity, even though they would not in the  
wild), the wild percula is definitely spending a lot of time hanging out right on the edge of the hammer coral - and actually seems to be trying to show the other one "how to chill with the coral" as well...   the old one doesn't seem too interested yet, but the new one definitely is getting closer and closer to swimming "in" the coral every day!  pretty neat!
<I'll say!>

Thanks for Saving My Corals... LFS Mistake, WWM to the Rescue, Exallias! - 03/25/2006
This is only the second time I write to you (first time was regarding Euro-reef skimmer advice) but read your website religiously.  My entire system has been built, more or less, on your advice.  <Very cool, mine too!>
I just wanted to send a note of gratitude.  I recently visited my LFS to purchase some fish.  Came home with a Kole Tang, Mandarin Goby and a Leopard Blenny (Exallias brevis).  
System is a 175G reef tank, 200 lbs of LR and refugium that has been up and running for over a year - all parameters test normal (Mandarin should be fine - I hope). <As long as there is enough food for him in there.> No problems ever.
The Blenny was sold to me as a "totally reef safe" specimen that only eats algae. <VERY common - if they just used the books they sell in the store...> I was not familiar with this specimen so I had to look him up on your site before adding him to my reef system. <Very good practice!> Lo and behold - a coral eater!  Immediately brought him back to the store and referenced your "write-up" on this fish.  LFS' owner was defiant, his response: "Depends on who you ask (regarding the fish's coral eating habits)..."  I researched other websites regarding this fish and it is clearly a coral eater, yet the LFS owner refuses to acknowledge.
Anyway I am so happy he didn't enter my tank (LFS took him back) <Glad that he let you return him!> and just hope this LFS owner was just trying to save face with me and does not try to sell the Blenny as a reef safe fish to someone else.  Buyer beware!  All my corals are thriving and growing and I don't know what I would have done had this Blenny ruined my system.  <Wonderful and you're very welcome.  One of the reasons why everyone here does what they do and enjoys doing it!>
As a side note, this guy had about 8 Mandarins in his store - I figured I had to try and save at least one of them.  <I think we all have this weakness at one time or another!>
Much gratitude fellas.  <and girls too!  Have a great one, Jen S.>

Blennies and clams (and other things)   1/7/06
Hey WWM Crew, great site!
I have found a few articles on your site concerning blennies and clams, but was hoping you may be able to provide a bit more  
information. I have 2 tanks in which lawnmower blennies (small, around 3" or so) and clams coexist peacefully, but I have been trying  
to add a blenny to my 3rd tank, a mixed reef (clams, SPS, LPSs, zoos) with no success. I wanted something other than a lawnmower for  
variety, so first I tried a black sailfin, no good, it nipped the clams. So I got that out using a homemade acrylic trap, and replaced  
it with a starry blenny (Salarias ramosus). This was a disaster, it tried to eat the clams, not nip them. And it attacked brittle stars,  
shrimp, anything but other fish. To top it off, it taught my hippo tang that clams were food, so I had to get both of them out (acrylic  
trap again, really works). I tossed them into my fish tank (yes, we do have 4 tanks, plus 4 dogs and poison dart frogs,
<Neat>
we should charge admission) where it now spends its time hassling my passer angel.  
They don't fight, the blenny just keeps trying to set up shop in its  
hole. Its fairly large, about 6". Evil fish, if cool-changes colors and patterns constantly.
Anyways, back to the point, I still love blennies in general and  
would still like to get one in there. I was thinking about maybe  
trying a Midas or a tail spot blenny (Ecsenius stigmatura),
<Better, likely more peaceful choices>
based mostly on appearance. The tail spots supposedly stay quite small (?)  
and are fairly timid. There's nothing else in there that should  
hassle them much, and there is lots of space and always algae around.  
I add Gracilaria to the tank, and nothing else in there grazes except  
for a few hermits and snails. So theoretically they should have lots  
of food. Do you have any thoughts on either of these, or perhaps  
another suggestion? Does size matter, should I stick with smaller ones?
Thanks in advance
<Yes with starting with smaller specimens... either is a good choice. Bob Fenner>

Mixing Multiple Blennies and Gobies 10/11/05
Hello again.
<Hello, Adam J with you this evening.>
I've been searching the site for a while. It has been about 7 weeks since the tank was put up. 100g hexagonal flatback tank ( It's not a traditional hex tank. Dimensions are roughly 60x20x20), protein skimmer, 20 gallon refugium with 4-5" sand, wet/dry.
<Sounds good.>
It's currently stocked with a lemon damsel, 3 blue green chromis, and 2 false percs that was added after the tank was cycled.
<Were they quarantined?>
After the tank adjusts to the clowns I want to add a Redlip or bicolor blenny along with a lawn mower blenny.
<The Lawnmower Blenny Salarias fasciatus can be quite territorial and aggressive towards other blennies. This will be a risk, though your tank size will help it is not a guarantee. Furthermore with algae eating blennies I prefer to wait until the tank is mature to add them, at least 6 months.>
I was just wondering if there will be a problem with adding blenny with blenny.
<Possibly, see above.>
I was also thinking about adding some firefish and a Jawfish or a watchman. Will these fish run into problems with the blennies?
<You should be okay with one of these along with the blennies but all three, these fish all inhabit the same area of the tank and with all of these mixed including the blennies you would likely run into “real-estate” problems.>
Thanks for all the help so far.
<No problem, Adam J.> 

Bicolor Pseudochromis and a new Midas Blenny  9/21/05
<Hi, Adam J with you tonight>
I've been running a 46-gallon tank with 60 pounds of live rock for a year now.  Six months ago I added a
Bicolor Pseudochromis and a Coral Beauty, who got along great
<Cool, sounds nice>
Just yesterday, though, I added a Midas Blenny.  He's taken residence in a small cave, but the
Pseudochromis chases him back every time he leaves.
<Not a good sign I’m afraid>
The Blenny's color has returned from the move, so he seems less stressed. He's eating already and tries to
leave and get food whenever I feed the tank, but he bolts as soon as he sees the Pseudochromis.  He now
spends almost all day poking his head out of his hole in the rock, afraid to leave for more than a few seconds.
<Pseudochromis can be very aggressive for there size; they are territorial to say the least.  It is likely he sees your entire tank as his territory. 46 gallons may appear large but in perspective to the ocean its not allot of room to share. The Pseudochromis views the new addition as a threat to his home and food source>
Am I going to have to choose between these two fish?
<Possibly, if the aggression persists it is likely to eventually end in severe injury or death in one fish (most likely the blenny) I fear the blenny could become stressed and stop feeding.  This in combination with being attacked is quick recipe to demise.>
or have fish ever been known to "warm up" to a new tankmate?
<It is possible that the fish will form a social "agreement". As in one will be more dominant but to be honest its hard to say. It could work out, it might not. It really depends on your individual specimens and thus far it does not sound promising>
  I'm guessing it's probably the former, but
maybe there's some hope left?
<Some but I would watch carefully and be prepared to remove one or the other, rearranging the rockwork to create new territories might subdue the aggression but it is not a guaranteed.>
I had assumed that this Pseudochromis was more passive than most, since he
doesn't mind the Coral Beauty following him around all day.
<The Pseudochromis is likely not threatened by the coral beauty and vise-versa, furthermore from your e-mail I gather that the coral beauty and Pseudochromis were introduced around the same time, which probably somewhat helped in reducing aggression.>
Thanks for your help
Peter
<Anytime, Adam J>

Faked out by a "cleaner wrasse"  8/27/05
Well, wouldn't ya know... yep, I got faked out by a mimic "cleaner wrasse". I though something was up by the way my flasher wrasse was acting towards him, ( it didn't "flash" at anyone else). Quick, to WWM for the answer to what's going on! Turns out its a saber-tooth blenny.
<Ah, Aspidontus... happens, though not often>
After having to COMPLETELY breakdown my reef to catch the little guy and place him in the fuge temporarily, now what? I like him a lot and would love to keep him, but feeding the fuge is not good. Do I trade him in, knowing that he'll just do the same thing to someone elses fish?
<Ah, no>
Please give me some advise on this dilemma. I'd be heartbroken to send him to a watery grave in the bathroom!!
Thanks for your guidance in advance,
Allegra
<... "look before you leap"... or purchase livestock? When we find these mixed in with Labroides, they're removed and destroyed... not suitable for aquarium use with other fishes... could try keeping in your refugium. Bob Fenner>

Blenny and Goby Compatibility 8/11/05
Hi, <Hi, Leslie here this evening>
I  have a 90 gallon reef with corals system in which I have the following: 1 Bicolor Blenny, 1 Yellowhead Goby, 1 Mandarinfish, 1 Marine Betta, 1 Flameback Angel and 2 Green Chromis.  I would like to make it mostly a goby and blenny aquarium.  May I mix, say 10 more gobies and blennies in this mixture?
<Yikes…unfortunately not.  Most goby and blenny species do not get along with the same and similar species, unless found in mated pairs. You have already mixed 3 types of gobies/blennies that could do well together.
Please do read about these 2 groups of fish that you are interested in here….
Blennioids: Blennies and Blenny-Like Fishes http://www.wetwebmedia.com/blennioids.htm
and Gobioid Fishes, and Ones Just Called Gobies! here…
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/gobioidmars.htm
Which ones do you recommend? I want a peaceful tank, with lots of color. There are a few exceptions, which do well in groups….
the Convict blenny http://www.wetwebmedia.com/pholodichthyidae.htm
and the Clown Gobies
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/gobiodon.htm>
I want a peaceful tank, with lots of color.
< In addition the 2 species mentioned above you may want to consider a Flame Hawkfish or a pair if you can find a male/female pair. They are a beautiful bright flame red with black markings and quite striking. They are not in either of the families of fish you asked about but in some ways they remind me of blennies and gobies and I think you might like them. They will certainly brighten up any tank!  Another point to consider is that your Marine Betta has a good sized mouth and anything that can fit is fair game so,  be sure to choose good sized specimens when considering his tankmates.>
Thanks for your input, AJ
<Your most welcome! Hope this helps, Leslie>

Jumping Blennies and Nasty Little Shrimp!
Hi Crew,
<Scott F. with you today>
I was hoping you could help me out with a couple of things.
<Sure>
Let me begin,
The Tank is about 8-9 months old.
Spg 1.025
Temp 25-26.5
pH 8.0 - 8.2 (Red Sea)
KH 11 (but cannot keep it @ this - Aquarium Pharm)
Ca 375ppm (Salifert)
Mg Approx 1250ppm (Salifert)
PO4 < 0.25 mg/L (Hagen - lousy test kit)
Ammonia 0
Nitrite     0
Nitrate      < 5ppm
Tank: 30gal (36" X 12" X 16")
Filtration & Circulation: Eheim 2213 Canister Filter running RowaPhos
every 2 weeks and PolyFilter every other 2 weeks
Seaclone Skimmer (drat! should have read wetwebmedia
before hand) produces 1/2 a cup every week (terrible!)
x3 Eheim 150gph powerheads for circulation
Lighting: x4 NO Fluorescents in rain gutter hood with
reflectors (12 hours a day)
1.)The other morning while I was getting dressed for work & watching the tank, I saw my Midas Blenny come swimming up
to the front of the tank.  Then behind it I saw my Peppermint Shrimp chasing it.  The Peppermint Shrimp grabbed the
poor fish by the tail and dragged him under the rockwork.  Sad to
say, by the time I got my hand in the tank to rescue
the blenny he was already dead.  I have since taken the Peppermint
Shrimp back to the LFS.  The question I have is, is this normal
behaviour for a Peppermint Shrimp?  My LFS told me the shrimp was probably starving, however, I have had it in there for about 1/2 a year and he eats whatever I put in the tank (good appetite - he was pig).  Another thing is not to long after I put him in the tank, my 3 mushroom colonies began to melt away (red, blue & green variety).  I have read up on wetwebmedia about Camel-Back Shrimps, and I am pretty sure he was not one of them.  Have you ever come
across this behaviour before?
<I have not personally experienced this with peppermint shrimp (I have with other species, however), but I have seen several friends' tanks who have...It is entirely possible that the shrimp has taken a turn to the "dark side" and become aggressive and destructive...And, I would not rule out the possibility that you have the more destructive variety...There are ways of determining the difference, so do study this, and carefully evaluate potential shrimp purchases in the future>
2.)The second question I have is.  I have begun dosing Seachem Reef
Calcium to enhance my coralline algae growth, however. I still have a fair amount of hair algae in the tank.  Do you think
I should stop using this until my algae subsides as I read this form of organic calcium can fuel algae growth.  I just want to out compete the problem algae with coralline.
<Well, calcium gluconate (the kind of calcium that Reef Calcium is comprised of) has been "implicated" as a contributor to nuisance algae growth by some, but I think that this is overstated, and in the presence of proper nutrient export techniques (i.e.; good water change habits, aggressive protein skimming, and use of chemical media, such as Poly Filter or activated carbon), it is not a huge factor...Revisit your basic husbandry techniques, refine them accordingly, and you should be able to use this stuff without excessive nuisance algae growths. Work that skimmer hard, and keep at those small, frequent water changes, and you'll be fine>
3.)My 2nd Midas Blenny (only 2 days in the tank) jumped out the tank last night.  Luckily, my girlfriend awoke to some
slapping noise, found the fish still alive and quickly put him back
in the tank.  Do Midas Blenny's normally jump out
the water?
<Well, just about any fish can do that, unfortunately-for many different reasons. I have a Hawaiian Flame Wrasse male that "catches air" with amazing regularity...If this becomes a problem for you, you should consider egg crate or other material to serve as a barrier to keep this fish in the tank where he belongs, so as not to become "reef jerky"!>
4.)My tank evaporates about 500ml of water a day. Currently, I am
adding Reef Builder to the top off water one day and then Reef Adv Calcium/Reef Calcium every other day as I top off daily (based on my tests).  My levels all test about right.  Do you think
that this is a decent regime?
<Well, it's important to buffer and add calcium to the tank as per the levels needed. In other words, determine your tank's approximate daily consumption of calcium and buffer based on your testing (which you are doing), and dose it regularly, regardless of how much top off you are doing...You don't want to be at the mercy of your tank's evaporation level to determine how much calcium or buffer that you should add...I think that your regimen is fine...but keep that little thought in mind when using additives...In the end, though, I like your consistent regimen. It  is better than a sporadic and random one...>
Thank you very much for all you help, support and knowledge!!!  It is so very much appreciated!!! Many Thanks & Kind Regards,
Karl McNally (from the UK)
<Your welcome, Karl...Sounds like your tank is doing just fine! Keep up the good work, and be sure to share our experiences with others! Regards, Scott F>

2 Blennies in a 58gal Reef
Hi,
   Just a quick question.  Can a lawnmower blenny be kept in a 58 gal. reef tank with a bicolor blenny or will there be aggression?
<Since they are similar in shape and size I would advise against the mixture of the two species, these species of fish tend to show aggression towards similar shaped fish>
Thanks,<your welcome, IanB>
Erik Jorvig

Blenny and mandarin fish compatibility
Are the red lipped blenny and the mandarin fish dragonet compatible in a 46 gallon reef tank?<Red lipped blenny's can be aggressive towards fish smaller than themselves. I would give you a 50-50% chance with this mix. Do keep in mind that mandarinfish have very strict diets...eat small crustaceans. Good Luck, IanB>

Battling Blennies?
I have a 60G reef with mostly SPS corals.  I currently have a pygmy angel (C. Argi) and a blenny with no apparent common name, (Atrosalarias fuscus).
<Both cool fishes, nonetheless! The A. fuscus is one of my favorite fishes! it's been called the "Highfin Blenny" or "Black Sailfin Blenny" in the trade. A great little fish with plenty of personality! mine has been a perfect gentleman for years!>
My local store has both Meiacanthus atrodorsalis and Midas blennies (Ecsenius Midas) both of which are very beautiful fish, and seem to be more active swimmers and likely to spend more time in the water column than my current blenny.
<In all likelihood, yes!>
However, I love my current blenny, and I know there is potential aggression between blennies. Would I be safe to add one of the two species mentioned to my current tank?  I can't seem to find much specific info, but the A. Fuscus is a strict algae eater IME, and the other two appear to be plankton feeders.  Would this work?
<In my opinion and experience, it would! They can be a bit feisty at times, so there is no 100% guarantee, but I feel that it would work for the very reason that you indicate. The fishes inhabit very different niches in the system, and are not likely to compete. I maintain a system with a variety of blennies, and have yet to observe any long-term problems with this arrangement. I'd go for it!>
I appreciate any help. Thanks, Gusty Stambaugh
<Any time, Gusty! Regards, Scott F>

The Best-Laid Plans...
Scott,
<Hello, again!>
I thought I would update you on my experience with these fish.  I purchased an apparently healthy midas blenny today, and added him to the tank. It had been at the LFS for 2 weeks.
<Oops! Remember to quarantine for at least 3 weeks next time- even for an apparently healthy fish, okay? We'll let it slide this time, though, okay? LOL>
He immediately scurried into a hole in the rock, as expected.  However, when he came out several hours later, he was incessantly attacked by the A. Fuscus, which apparently had not initially noticed him.
<A bit of chasing is to be expected upon introduction, but outright war is contrary to my experiences!>
After watching the attack for several hours, during which the fish were very active and incessantly aggressive, I attempted to catch either fish. With a tank full of SPS frags and plenty of irregularly shaped live rock I could not catch
either fish until the midas blenny swam into my open hand gasping for breath.
<Yuck>
It has just died in the sump. The A. fuscus has a nice chunk missing from directly between his eyes, but
otherwise looks OK.
<Hopefully, it will heal...An awful experience, though. Sorry it happened, and frankly- I'm quite surprised. Some chasing is to be expected with these guys, but I have seen and kept such combinations many times, without any incident. It just goes to show you that nothing is for certain. I really feel bad for the fish- and for you!>
I realize that is difficult to predict the reactions of fish, so I don't want you to misinterpret this email.  I am not upset with you for the advice you gave, I simply want to add my experience to your knowledge to possibly prevent this from happening to another person.
<I appreciate that. Frankly, I do feel bad that such an event happened, though! I have not experienced this problem before! I guess this is a good time to review once again what we all know, for the benefit of all of our WWM readers: One individual's good (or bad!) experience (or even one hundred individual's good or bad experiences) doesn't mean that things will always work out (or not work out) for others. You're so right that it's hard to predict what animals will or will not do. We looked at a situation that could have-should have-worked out, has for me and for others...But it didn't. A horrible experience, and a dear price, but I guess that if it adds to the body of knowledge of the animals in question, it was not a total waste. The bottom line is that an animal died needlessly, and for that, I am truly sorry. It goes to show you that the best anyone can do when rendering advice is to speak from their own experiences (which is exactly what we do at WWM). My experience, or anyone else's- can and should not be taken as "the last word" on anything, although I would have made the same call on this one today. There is no substitute for "going with your gut feeling" on some things, especially when considering, as you have pointed out- the element of uncertainty that arises when you're talking about living creatures. The only "sure thing" is that nothing is certain!>
I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to advise me on these fish, Thanks, Gusty
<My pleasure, Gusty. Thanks for sharing this experience with others. Keep a positive attitude, and write us again any time! Regards, Scott F>

- Algae Blenny: Clam Nipper? -
I was just about to buy  rock (lawnmower?) blenny when I read that they nip at clam mantles. How true is this? <They occasionally do, most that I've encountered behave themselves. Make sure you supply lots of algae!> Also, will they be aggressive with a yellow headed jawfish? <Should be fine, Good luck! -Kevin>

The corals don't like the Blenny
Hi,
<Hi Lisa!>
I got a rock with a few orange/purple Ricordea and another with green  star polyps about 1 1/2 weeks ago. They were doing great until I got a  Sailfin blenny. He climbs all over the rocks and occasionally the  corals. He knocked the Ricordea rock over 2 times!
<Hee Hee!  Very normal Blenny behavior.  They don't seem to care much what they "climb" over or perch on, and in fact, mine will forcibly throw objects off of his favorite perch!>
The first time he  just tapped it and they seemed fine, 2nd time it was flipped and  sitting on one of the shrooms. I finally got some glue but when I  picked up the rock I realized the Ric was only partially attached to  the rock. It also has a small chunk missing, the purple looks grayish and the mouth does too.
<Gluing or otherwise attaching corals is a wise choice to prevent such falls.>
Is it dead or injured? Anything I can do to  save it?
<It sounds like it is a bit  bleached.  It should recover quickly and completely if you prevent further insults.>
As if that's not enough trouble from the blenny, he's also upset the  GSP. They were 1/2 closed up after the first day w/the blenny, now  they've been closed solid for 2 days. Are they OK? Will they get used  to him?
<It is normal for GSP's to periodically close for a while.  If you are sure it is the Blenny, they may adapt, but it is probably best to move the GSP's out of his territory.
Thanks,
Lisa Spencer
<best regards!  Adam>

The Clownfish and the Blenny (5/25/04)
Hi guys, I had a quick question that I was hoping you could assist me with. I have a 72 gal FOWLR setup. Current inhabitants include a pair of percula clowns, still young about 2 inches, a lawnmower blenny, about 3.5 inches, and 4 turbo snails. I have about 85 lbs of live rock. My problem is that my clowns stay secluded in one corner of the tank. This is the corner they sleep and rest in all the time. <In nature, Clownfish seldom stray from their anemone. they're not particularly adventurous. My Maroon Clown limits itself to maybe 10% of my 180G tank's volume.> Occasionally they will venture to about midway across the tank, but then back to the corner. Recently I observed my blenny acting aggressively towards the clown. <Can be a problem. Lawnmower Blennies can be aggressive.> He swam right up to them and started waving his tail at them furiously. This behavior occurred when the clowns saw me get close to the front of the tank to feed them, and they moved out of their corner. I am afraid that my blenny is keeping them in the corner of the tank. <Probably, but like I said, they often choose an area to stick to.> I have seen this happen a few times thus far. I have read that this particular species of blenny is only aggressive towards conspecifics, and rarely towards other fish. Scott W. Michael specifically states that they can often attack any smaller fish.> Could I possibly have the rare possibility? <Not rare, rather common actually.>
The clowns are in very good health, vibrant colors, fins are not clamped, and breathing normally. Is there any other reason that the fish could be acting this way? <Their natural behavior, especially when threatened. That's why they live in anemones in nature. (But they do not need one in a tank, they need tankmates they can cope with.> I have had the fish in this tank for over a month, which I know is not that long, but they had this corner behavior when housed with the blenny in there previous tank too. The blenny is not as important as my clowns, even though I love his personality. So if he is the problem, then I will find him another suitable home. If so, could you suggest a species of blenny that would not be a problem? A more peaceful species. I sincerely thank you for your help. Brian <If this blenny has been aggressive toward them in to tanks, he is probably an unusually intolerant one. Perhaps he is unhappy because he isn't getting enough food. Does he eat whatever it is your feeding him? Most lawnmower blennies starve because they won' eat anything but hair algae. You could remove him to a QT for a few weeks, re-arrange the tank, let the clowns settle back in and try again. But I'm skeptical given the history of aggression in two tanks. As for alternatives, how about a shrimp goby? Many blennies are territorial and may get aggressive. Blennies to consider are the Midas, Red Sea Mimic and Bicolor. Check out Scott W. Michaels' "Marine Fishes" for ideas and alternatives. Have you considered a Hawkfish? Hope this helps, Steve Allen.>

Evil Blenny (10/22/04)
Hi, I recently acquired a lawnmower blenny, reading on how they tend to be passive fish. <There is quite a bit of opinion to the contrary. To quote Scott W. Michael's "Marine Fishes" : "Large individuals will attack fish tankmates..."> I had exchanged a very small blue tang for him, since the blue tang drove my clown fish crazy for a month until she couldn't take it anymore, and turned on him.  Before damage was done I returned him, and got a lawnmower blenny.  A few weeks into having him in the main tank, he has decided that he does not like my longhorn cowfish.  The cowfish was the first fish in the tank, and in my opinion, it is his tank.  Now the blenny chases him around, nipping at his belly.  I am worried of stressing out the cow, so I am curious if this is a long-term behavior. <Probably will get worse as it grows. I'd get that blenny out of there before it causes your cowfish to release its toxin and wipe out your tank.> Will it stop after a while, or should I bring him back to the store.  The cowfish is my main concern, and I will do whatever is in his best interest. <Get the blenny out of there.>  I thought if there were going to be any problems, it would be between the blenny and the mandarin I have, since they both tend to hang out by the rocks.  But there are no qualms there.  Any
info would be helpful.  Thanks so much. <Bye, by Blenny. Hope this helps. Steve Allen.>

Re: The Evil Blenny
Hi There,
<Hello>
I saw the post of the person with the evil blenny problem -- attacking his cowfish.  I have no idea how big the person's tank is, but allow me to suggest giving the blenny someone else more suitable to wrangle with.  I have a huge Lawnmower Blenny myself, and he loves to chase a Highfin Blenny.  The other blenny thinks he's nuts, and they just swim around each other.  Just a thought :-
<Thank you for this. Will post alongside the other input for alls edification. Bob Fenner>

Compatibility
Hello,
I had a question in mind which is troublesome. In my marine reef tank, the ignorant lawnmower blenny keeps on chasing the Hawkfish like it's food. Is the flame Hawkfish able to defend itself, since the blenny is really big. The Hawkfish just keeps on exploring though. They are both breathing extremely quick after a chase and if they don't stop I am going to remove the blenny. Is there any sort of fish that is able to intimidate such large blenny?
<The idea is to have compatible tanks mates, not to find one to be the enforcer.> 
Also, I have a little tomato clownfish ( recently added in) who is extremely feisty. He attempts/ does attack my pair of Sebae or black percula clownfish. However, my purple tang viciously chases off the tomato with his fins, and the pygmy assists in trying to nip at its tail.. Do you think the tang have a bond with the pair?
<No, just defending territory> 
Should I remove the tomato and throw him into my smaller tank and just bring up the pair of false percula clowns instead? 
<Tomatoes are feisty as you say, and the larger they get, the worse it is. I'd see if you could trade him in, or put him in another tank to avoid the problems. James (Salty Dog)>
Thanks for your time! 
<You're welcome>