To blenny or not to blenny?

[PodGirl]

Hello all,

So as of right now all of my fish are scatter to the winds in fishtanks throughout my house as I am upgrading to a 125g and waiting for it to cycle. Last night I noticed my Tribal Blenny start picking at my sand sifting star. WHAT A JERK! Also, some zoa's started disappearing in the nano tank I'm keeping him in, but I can't really pin that on the blenny its just a hunch. He could just be acting out due to the temporary cramped quarters...I'm not sure. Anyway I know one person who loves blennies of all types but the last few he's kept have been awful (regardless of the type of blenny). I've also had a couple other people mention coral nipping and what not. I'm starting to wonder if they aren't all mainly bad. Sadly, this is the first blenny I've ever kept in my 4 or so years of reef keeping so I don't have any other personal experience. I don't want to put him in the 125 to realize it's a tiny satan spawn and have to spend half a day trying to fish him out. So what I'm looking for is just everyones general opinion/personal experience with these little guys. That way I can decide his fate....he might have to be my refug. fish.

Any and all input is appreciated! Thanks.

[Kristy]

I don't want to put him in the 125 to realize it's a tiny satan spawn and have to spend half a day trying to fish him out.

Ha... love your description! We have had some serious problems with one flame tail blenny that we have in our 210g named "Osama" because he is a terrorist who bites my hand frequently, hides in a cave and I cannot get to him. He is definitely a "tiny satan spawn" and has eaten a clam as well as some LPS! (Thanks again, Erik! :D)

However, don't give all blennies a bad name. Our tailspot blenny is as sweet as can be and has never been a problem. We also had a great experience with a lawnmower blenny, so I would say it pays to do your homework on the blennies and just be careful about what type you are getting. I have since heard lots of horror stories about flame tail blennies so I know they are best to be avoided. No idea about the Tribal Blenny, but I would have expected it to be similar to our tailspot. Guess not!

[ErikH]

LOL... :)

[CoryDude]

I've had a yellow tonga blenney in my tank for the past two years. Very active but peaceful, great algae grazer, and pretty much keeps to himself. He's probably the most weird and comical fish I have. But, each fish is different.

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp100/cpryor74/TankShots/DSC_0074.jpg

[PodGirl]

We have had some serious problems with one flame tail blenny that we have in our 210g named "Osama" because he is a terrorist who bites my hand frequently, hides in a cave and I cannot get to him.

Yeah I've heard more than a few bad reports on the flame tails. I like his name though. Very funny. :)

I have certain order I want to start adding all the new fish in (jawfish, then firefish, etc.). The blenny is way down the list so there should be a good amount of rock and coral in by the time he enters. I'm generally all about giving a fish a few chances before I do anything, because I hate re-homing fish. However, I don't want to find out it was a bad idea after he starts chomping into some expensive coral or something. Plus this starfish nipping bussiness has got to stop! I've had the sand sifter for longer than the blenny, so I'm not about to have him killed. I'll keep an eye on him and see how he continues to act.

If anybody has any particular Tribal Blenny experiences I'd love to see how everyone else has done with them...

[REBridges]

I've had a bi-color blenny for a little over a year and a half. Very peaceful and has never been an issue. He is very active and fun to watch. I also have a starry blenny. He too has never been an issue...but he loves to eat.