Orange Spotted Blenny

[binaryterror]

Hi, I have a 24g Aquapod reef set-up and I have always wanted an Orange Spotted Blenny. Now, I am wondering how difficult these fish are to keep. What will I need to do so it can be happy? These fish are so awesome looking, but I also dont want to kill one. Thanks

 

[Jens Kallmeyer]

HI

I presume you are talking about this fish, Isioblennius chrysospilos
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?pCatId=89

They are great fishes, IMO very easy to keep as long as you have enough algae they can "suck" off the rocks. They do eat other food (mine takes about anything) but they need enough algae to thrive. I got mine from liveaquaria and it was just skin and bones, about 2,5" long. Took me quite a while before I got him back to normal shape (4 feedings a day, all food enriched with vitamins, culture selcon, and UltraMin Amino acid mix) This was about 18 moths ago, since then the little guy grew 1 to 1,5" in my 120. Although a 24 gal tank is not the most spacious container, it may be adequate for such a fish.


Best wishes

Jens

 

[binaryterror]

Thanks. That is the answer I have been looking for. Now, will they eat diatoms? What kinda of algea do they need to eat? I am really wanting one of these now!

 

[IanInDC]

I own one, have for quite a while... I would say a few things:
1) don't expect these little buggers to eat your hair algea or, god forbid, cyano
2) they do like certain kinds of coraline, and though I've never seen it, supposedly diatoms and other sand-based algae.
3) they can be real jerks; while too small and timid to really hurt anyone, mine tries really hard to bully my no-stripe oscellaris clowns and my purple firefish.
4) Otherwise, very easy maintenance. Mine eats anything at all.

 

[binaryterror]

Awesome! Now, since my tank is jusr established, should I wait for more algea to buy one? I have alot of diatoms, but I just added my LR last weekend. It is cycled fully though since I filled it with water from my 6 month old 55g.

 

[IanInDC]

binaryterror, water isn't really what has to be cycled -- others will back me up on this -- it's much about the rocks and sand themselves becoming more efficient at breaking down nitrates and other organic matter.

You don't really need to wait for more algae per se but I would introduce any smaller fish that you want first, then, the Spotted.

 

[binaryterror]

Yes, I know understand the cycle part. But it's all good now. But the reason I really wanted one is because liveaquaria only gets the in every so often, and I can never find them anywhere. So I will most likely buy one, and put it on my 55g, until my 24g gets a little more established. Thanks