Blennies with no algae?
- Thread starter foshizzle
- Start date
Chasmodes
Well-known member
Probably but that depends on the individual fish. Although both those blennies are "herbivores" they have been known to survive and sometimes prefer meaty diets (after being conditioned to do so by the aquarist). It could be risky attempting that though. I'd check with the LFS if the fish you are looking at have been in the store for awhile and ask them if they've been taking prepared or meaty foods before buying one.
So, rather than take that risk, how about purchasing an omnivorous or carnivorous blenny? Here are some suggestions:
For bottom dwelling type blennies - no swim bladders
Molly miller (a.k.a. combtooth blenny): Scarlata cristatus this blenny eats anything and gets to about 3 to 4" long. It can get territorial and aggressive toward similar fishes like other blennies and hawkfish. They are a blast to keep though. Not good for reefs IMO
Barnacle blenny (a.k.a. Secretary blenny): this "tube" blenny is a relative of the pike blenny. It's shy, peaceful, reef safe and needs a lot of hiding places. They get to be about 2" long or so maybe 3". They are entirely carnivorous and eat meaty foods. I think that you can have more than one in a tank with these guys. Also, these guys shouldn't be placed with aggressive fish (including other aggressive blennies and hawkfish and maybe even dottybacks too).
Blennies with swim bladders a.k.a. fanged blennies:
There are several types and most are carnivorous and reef safe for the most part (like the midas blenny and canary blenny). This family also includes a few species that eat only fish scales and fins of other fish like Aspidontus taeniatus or false cleaner - don't buy this one or the "saber toothed blenny"! This family of fish are tagged "fang" blennies for a reason. They have fangs and venom, but most are harmless to humans but deadly to worms!!!!
These are just a couple of examples, there are others though. Hope this helps.
So, rather than take that risk, how about purchasing an omnivorous or carnivorous blenny? Here are some suggestions:
For bottom dwelling type blennies - no swim bladders
Molly miller (a.k.a. combtooth blenny): Scarlata cristatus this blenny eats anything and gets to about 3 to 4" long. It can get territorial and aggressive toward similar fishes like other blennies and hawkfish. They are a blast to keep though. Not good for reefs IMO
Barnacle blenny (a.k.a. Secretary blenny): this "tube" blenny is a relative of the pike blenny. It's shy, peaceful, reef safe and needs a lot of hiding places. They get to be about 2" long or so maybe 3". They are entirely carnivorous and eat meaty foods. I think that you can have more than one in a tank with these guys. Also, these guys shouldn't be placed with aggressive fish (including other aggressive blennies and hawkfish and maybe even dottybacks too).
Blennies with swim bladders a.k.a. fanged blennies:
There are several types and most are carnivorous and reef safe for the most part (like the midas blenny and canary blenny). This family also includes a few species that eat only fish scales and fins of other fish like Aspidontus taeniatus or false cleaner - don't buy this one or the "saber toothed blenny"! This family of fish are tagged "fang" blennies for a reason. They have fangs and venom, but most are harmless to humans but deadly to worms!!!!
These are just a couple of examples, there are others though. Hope this helps.
