Bi-Color Blenny

[clschaefer23]

Hello. I am new to saltwater and have recently purchased a bi-color blenny. Also in my 44 gl tank are 4 damsil's, bagai cardinal, and various invert's. Here's my question, why isn't my blenny eating? I know they feed primarily on algae but I don't have live rock in the tank. I have seen him eat the white film from the rock's in my tank but I think that's a deposit from the crushed coral. Does anyone have any info? Many thanks. <img src="graemlins//confused.gif" border="0" alt="[confused]" />

 

[clschaefer23]

The Blenny's been in the tank for a couple of weeks. At first the damsils picked on him(like every new edition)but now he seems to go unnoticed. I tried Formula 1 but he isn't interested. Looking back at it, I kinda wish I didn't get the damsils-is it too late? Should I relocate them?

 

[amphiprion]

I would suggest getting rid of the damsels. They are going to cause to end of trouble to new fish. They are just too aggresive!

 

[bob the builder]

While the damsels are very agresive, i dont think they will amke a difference for the new fish eating <img src="graemlins//yeahright.gif" border="0" alt="[yeahright]" /> . Blenny's do not eat right away unless LR is in the tank. I have a lawnmower blenny(same thing besides color) and it took him4 months before eating brine, etc. They mostly eat algea growing on rcoks and glass. It will take about 5-7 days before it really starts picking at the rocks, and who knows when before it eats LF(Live food). Blennys will eat algea ANYWHERE in the tank. So, if there is some on the glass, that will do. I have had 3 blenny's starve in my tank for no reason at all(i hade 100 lbs LR at the time)! So, i hope you picked a nice healthy one at the LFS. right now you should worry. In a week( or 5 days) then you should worry. I hope i helped!

 

[zari]

Hi clschaefer23,
I have to agree with the others about the Damsels. They are pretty aggressive fish. I'd suggest trying to catch them, and returning them to your lfs. About the Blenny...have you tried feeding brine shrimp? Mine loves whatever I feed the other fish, and he has been known to pull a silverside out of the mouth of one of my anemones lol. Bi-color Blennies are one of the most entertaining fishies. I even named mine!
Zari

 

[clschaefer23]

Thanks for the info guys. I originally purchased the Damsils because they were inexpensive. As I learn more about various saltwater fish I realize they aren't going to be compatable with the fish I hope to get in the future. Unfortunately I have grown attatched to the little buggers. I am thinking about getting a seperate tank for just Damsils. As far as the Blenny goes, right after I posted my message I noticed him picking at various rocks in my tank and even on the glass itself. He seems to be alright, so we will see. Blennies are definately a cool species and fun to watch. Thanks again for the info-this site rocks!