Golden Sailfin Blenny reef compatability

[ezcompany]

I am thinking of adding one of these to my 34 gallon, but need to make sure it won't nip at SPS or Clams.
Anyone have long term experience with these fish with SPS and Clams?

 

[Toddrtrex]

I have had mine for about 5 months now, and s/he hasn't touched any of my clams nor SPS. The closest it has come to bothering my clam is getting some of the algae off the shell.

It will sit on the SPS once in a while, but not long enough to cause any issues. It pretty much just eats the algae off the rocks and the glass all day long.

A couple of pictures of it.

 

[ezcompany]

thanks Todd for the info and the great pics!
do you know how mature your blenny is? is it a full adult? i have read somewhere that blenny's may nip when they're fully matured.

 

[Toddrtrex]

Thanks, love taking pictures of that guy.

I am not sure how old it is, just the amount of time that I've had it. I have hard that certain blennys do nip. However, I don't believe that this species does.

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/algaeblensart.htm

 

[seapug]

Yeah, most of the sailfins and algae blennies (lawnmowers, starry, etc) are a pretty safe bet. It's the bicolors that have the well deserved reputation for nipping. Something about that particular species....

 

[ezcompany]

hmmm. reading from the link you sent me i may have a hard time keeping him in a 34 gallon. do you have any supplemental algae wafers you recommend or feed?

 

[Toddrtrex]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12630745#post12630745 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ezcompany
hmmm. reading from the link you sent me i may have a hard time keeping him in a 34 gallon. do you have any supplemental algae wafers you recommend or feed?

So far I haven't had to, so I haven't tried any. Mine is in my 58, and while it isn't over run with algae he is finding enough to eat to have a nice belly on him. I will leave the side and back glass "dirty" longer then the front -- will notice "kiss" marks on them from him.

 

[ezcompany]

great! do they also only eat algae or are they able to feed on regular meaty fish food as well?

 

[Toddrtrex]

Back when I had my "lawnmower" blenny, he would eat any prepared foods that I put in the tank. So far golden boy hasn't shown any interest, but I think that is because he has enough to eat. I don't know how small they stay, but mine is pretty small right now.

I would guess he is 2" at the most right now. Can see some zoa frags in this picture to get an idea of how small.

 

[ezcompany]

i'm having 2nd thoughts now, if i can't get the fish to eat prepared frozen food (home made mix with some algae content) i'm not sure if my 34 gallon will have enough algae for him at all....