Possible problem with starry blenny . . .

[lcs]

I have a starry blenny that has been in the DT for about a month after a six week QT. Lately I've noticed what I thought was him spitting sand from his gill covers, but now I realize it's his poop. It looks exactly like he's pooping sand. Also, his belly is quite distended, even when it's been a while after he's eaten. Is he constipated? What can I do to help him out? He's very active and eats great . . . probably too much!

 

[JSeymour]

Although I've never heard of it in blennies, many herbivores will eat sand to help with digestion, much like many birds and some reptiles. My tang does it all the time, but it's well documented in her species. I probably wouldn't worry about it.

 

[aleonn]

My starry blenny likes scooping up sand and depositing it as he swims, for some reason. He's been doing it for the last month that I've noticed, and didn't think anything of it. I'll look carefully next time to see if he's actually pooping it or not.

 

[lcs]

many herbivores will eat sand to help with digestion, much like many birds and some reptiles

I had no idea! Interesting!

It definately looks like he's eating it, I didn't see it come out his gill covers - I see my yellow watchman goby do that all the time. I'm 95% sure I saw it come out his butt and he pretty much spreads it all over [/TMI]. But of course I could be wrong! I'll have to watch more closely, he does it pretty fast as he's swimming.

Thanks guys!

I'll try not to worry unless I see him acting different. Of course by then it will probably be too late.

 

[a.browning]

My Starry Blenny has done this for about a year and a half and he's extememly healthy. I personally wouldn't be too worried, although it certainly is a curious behavior.

 

[aleonn]

I guess this adds to their already cute personality =P