Lawnmower blenny

[GCI]

A toss up as to whether to post this query here, or on 'Agressive' site. Anyway here goes. Have a 110gal FOWLR with only a Picasso Triggerfish and a lawnmower blenny. the trigger eats well, but I'm somewhat worried about the blenny. I see him in the process of scraping algae off the LR and glass, but I also see him aggressively go after particles of food meant for the trigger i.e. clam, squid, krill. I observe him eating [?] these tidbits and am wondering if he's getting enough nutrition from what little algae is in the tank. Could this be the cause of his attraction to the triggers food? He looks healthy and his coloring is fine. No signs of illness. Any reason to be upset? Was under the impression the blenny was herbivorous.

 

[Ryan-UF]

They're omnivores and will munch on what they can get. I would consider it a good sign that your blenny's attitude is aggressive, especially given his competition. Keep an eye on his stomach, if it starts to look sunken in then you may need to offer some additional food. Also keep an eye on his color, deeper and darker patterns is usually a good sign of health.

A varied diet is always good though, and offering as many different options as possible (although not in excess) is always a good idea.

 

[Toddrtrex]

I had a normal one for 7 years, and now have a golden one -- both at the same food -- everything. That includes, Rod's food (( red, green and blue labels )), LifeLine's Herbivore mix, Prime Reef, Spectrum pellets, Nori and a few other things I am forgetting.

 

[GCI]

He appears to look normal i.e. good color, size, activity. My problem is feeding him directly without the Trigger getting to the food first. I'm thinking of small sinking pellet food. Any suggestions on brands?

 

[GCI]

@Todd. Sorry! Noticed after posting, you did mention brand names. Are any of these sinking pellets?

 

[Toddrtrex]

Just the Spectrum Pellets, well they start to sink after a second or two. Though if you put them in a cup of tank water for about 10 seconds first, they would sink a lot faster. They rest of my list are frozen foods that sink pretty good. My current one (( golden )) has no problem beating my other fish to the food, has even seen it pull it from the other fish's mouth.

 

[GCI]

Will put your advise into play! Most of the sinking food I offer is grabbed by the Trigger on the way down....only to learn that lot's of offerings that DO make it to the bottom are refused by the blenny! LOL But as you suggest, the blenny looks quite healthy so I'll not worry too much!