Lawnmower Blenny= Predator?!

[cedarreef]

I currently have a lawnmower blenny which I've had for a while now. It's well fed, and seems fat and happy. I only have one problem with it. I read somewhere that it eats sponges. I think the site said that they are as bad as large angels with them. Is this true? This may be a problem because I'm slowly converting my FO tank into a reef, and sponges would be much welcomed in my tank, and I wouldn't want my blenny to eat them all! Any input would be much appreciated!

 

[big]

I never have read that, but I have had both,about 4 larger hitchiker sponges and a LMB for several years now with no issues.
Also a close friend has some big bought sponges and a LMB, never have seen any issues in her tank either.
That is not to say it isn't so, but I never have had issues with the two........

 

[mr_x]

i have plenty of sponges all over my tank. i think that info is incorrect, or limited to a single blenny.

 

[dragonzim]

I have tons of small sponges that my LMB has never looked twice at.

 

[saltn00b]

i have a variety of small and large hitchhike sponges. some are really cool. my LMB and the ones before him never touched them. i dont think they even could because of the way the mouth is shaped and operates... JMO

 

[cedarreef]

Thanks so much for the input! I didn't think this sounded right, but I figured I would ask anyway. Another question, though... When you get LR, do you always keep it submerged so that you don't kill hitchhikers like sponges from air exposure?

 

[saltn00b]

rock can be out of the water, hitchhikers usually survive even when the rock is shipped with damp newspaper / towels just keeping it moist. you just dont want it all to get dried out.

 

[cedarreef]

I wouldn't order it from anywhere because my lfs guy said he would get me a deal with it since I'm going to get about 50lbs of it... Won't the sponges die, though?

 

[big]

You are correct about during shipping live rock. Any length of time of exposure to the air does most sponges in........Only with time will we see new ones start to grow on our rocks.
But if only needing 50 pounds maybe try bringing them home in buckets with water?????? If you are like me there is no shortage of old 5 gallon salt buckets with lids sitting around......................

 

[cedarreef]

There is a very short ride from my lfs so I think I should be fine with all the stuff. I just thought a sponge or two would be a fun thing to have, but if not, oh well.