Lawnmower Blennie

[Critter]

So I get a lawnmower blennie 2 weeks ago and dam if he doesn't go missing. two days later find him in my fresh water top-off pail on the floor. I thought something was starting to smell. So are these fish notorious jumpers (my first fish to jump) and do your recommend eggcrate or ? on top of the tank? I'm thinking of getting another one cuase he was working out nicely. thanks

 

[coralnut99]

Eggcrate's the easiest and cheapest way. The little squares have a wide and a narrow end. I forget which one goes towards the lights (search eggcrate?). About $11 at HD/ Lowers, a little clipping to fit, and you're done.
If you want to spend money, and you're REALLY concerned about the effect on light spread, you can make an aluminum window screen from all the componants at HD/Lowers, and instead of fiberglass screen you put a double layer of fruit tree bird netting. More work, more $, but absolutely no effect on light spread over the tank. It also makes for a very soft place for all those whacky flying fish to smack their noggins on.

 

[NCNBilly]

Not to start a flame war, but in my opinion (take it for what it's worth) you are already at your fish limit with a 55 gallon. Its quite possible that your blenny was chased out or got in a territory battle with the clowns.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8554477#post8554477 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by NCNBilly
Its quite possible that your blenny was chased out or got in a territory battle with the clowns.

It's also very likely the Yellow Tang didn't like another herbivore in it's aquarium. LB's aren't well known for being carpet surfers.

 

[Critter]

yes, I guess just about anything is possible. He was in the tank for about 2 weeks, witout insident and the clowns have their anenomie and the tang barley paid him any attention. The blennie had been exploring the tank top bottom left right... and after doing some searches here on the forums, i'm thinking he went through my overflow and jumped out of that. this is based on where the pale was. So my plan of attack is to make an eggcrate top, and if that works out well, I will try another blennie. Thanks for the information though, I will keep it in mind.

 

[GL]

Mine was my first fish. He is still in my tank and has never jumped out. I did have to get him out of the overflow a time or two though.

Fish that have jumped:
Bar gobbie(s)
Flame Angel
Exquisite Wrasse
Hawk Fish

I will most likely think of others.

 

[cinnamongirl]

I have a LMB and he's never attempted to jump out. He lives with a pair of clowns and a YT, with no problems at all. I've had them for about 2 years now.

I had that egg crate on the top of my 46g and I had a jawfish and a purple firefish jump right through the holes in the crate :-( Any ideas on anything with smaller holes?

 

[GL]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8573035#post8573035 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cinnamongirl
I have a LMB and he's never attempted to jump out. He lives with a pair of clowns and a YT, with no problems at all. I've had them for about 2 years now.

I had that egg crate on the top of my 46g and I had a jawfish and a purple firefish jump right through the holes in the crate :-( Any ideas on anything with smaller holes?

I have seen people put a border around the tank, at least the back and maybe the sides that they can't jump over rather than trying to cover the top.

I have used the black plastic mesh gutter guard across the back and it has worked well. Not only do they have to get out of the water but they have to clear the mesh as well.