Why is my Algae/Sailfin Blenny being MEAN?

[uahawkfish]

First, I have learned so much from this forums posts and replies, the wealth of knowledge here is incredible, I am humbled to be able to participate in this forum.
First info. 75 Gal been up and running 4 months, have 2 Emperor 280s. 2 401 powerheads, 35 Ilbs Brazil and tonga LR, Live sand bed. Have small foxface, large gold stripe maroon clown, firefish goby, a flame hawkfish, and last week added a 3 inch aglae blenny.
The Algae blenny cleans up any small bit of algae my hermits and emeralds dont' get, and his personality is great, but for some reason, he chases the flame hawkfish all around the tank, WHENEVER he seeks him, but the blenny is submissive to the other fishes, no problem. The blenny is supposed to be peaceful, and my poor flame no spends all day hiding on my powerheads, and not down on the rock just perching like he used to? What do I do? Not to offend any blenny owners, but the Flame is more important, he is great personality and colors! Thanks.

 

[bdhough]

Hawksfishes, blennies, and gobies are shaped fairly similarly. They also act like perching fish. Thusly they don't really like eachother too much. Sometimes they get along but since they act similarly they can be at each others throats. So long as fins aren't being torn and cuts on the body then its harmless chasing and in time they may get used to each other. Keep your eye on the hawk.

 

[uahawkfish]

Thanks Bdhough

 

[wanabebell]

hey bdhough its good to see sombody else on the messsege boards that lives in orange and blue country
So do you go to sailfin???
by the way I live in Fisher so good to see a "neibor like person on the board"

 

[wanabebell]

let the flame hawk get bigger then an agreement will be made and the tank wars will be over

 

[migston]

I have the exact same problem with my Black Sailfin Blenny (the oldest tank member) and my new Flame Hawkfish. I've tried several things to get my Blenny to chill out including turning off the lights, rearranging the aquascape and even physically sitting near the tank to shoo him away so that the Hawkfish would finally have some time to relax.
It was actually kind of cute seeing the hawkfish sitting on the corner nearest to me. I think he knew that I was trying to help him.
Anyways, it seems to have calmed a little. My Blenny has now allowed the hawk to have a tiny area of space as territory. Instead of constantly chasing him, he only chases if he wanders away from his designated area.
Seriously though, I never expected this from my blenny. He was always so shy and passive.