Tail Spot Blenny really reef safe?

[JJohn]

Anyone have experience with the Tail Spot Blenny (Ecsenius stigmatura)? Is it truly reef safe. I have mostly SPS's with a couple Softies. No clams yet but I don't want to limit myself with a Blenny that might nip at clam mantles. I have had a bad experience with "reef-safe" Bicolor Blenny's. It was cute but a problem.

All advice and info is appreciated,
John

 

[EdKruzel]

That species has a primary and secondary diet of plant material and benthic algae.

Odds are it is a safer species than what you've experienced in the past.

Ed

 

[iamwhatiam52]

No problem with mine. Picks at algae and nothing else.

 

[JJohn]

Thank you both! I think I am going to try it. I think these are great little fish. Comical appearance and quite a bit of personality.

John

 

[Rothie]

Mine has never bothered any corals,softies,Lps,or SPS.I have never had him in a tank with clams,so I can't say.He is beautiful,peaceful,comical,and easy to feed.

 

[Texsun]

I have mine with LPS, SPS, and a clam. Never bothered anything and has a constantly full tummy from munching on algae all the time.

 

[Mike_HC]

Tail spot blenny eating Squamosa clam

Tail spot blenny eating Squamosa clam

Really strange, they have been in the same tank for a year. I have seen the blenny pick at the clam, but never really get a mouth full. Now, the is missing part of it's mantle in two spots. I see the blend going back to nibble regularly. My working hypothesis is:

A. Clam got damaged and the damaged spot was susceptible to the blenny
B. Vacation fish keeper did not feed and the blenny, or clowns, or cherub angel helped supplement their diet with tasty clam nibbles.

Maybe both. Has anyone seen this?

My first thought is to isolate, but I only have one tank.
Second thought is to cover or protect is somehow, space is limited in RSM 34 gallon.
Maybe a mesh netting woucl protect from the fish but still let enough light in?

I would love recommendations from more experienced hobbyists. Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Mike_HC]

I am new to the forum and posted this in the wrong place. Is there a way to move this to: Reef Cental Online Commuity > Invert and Plant Forums > Tridacnid Clams and other Mollusks?

 

[CoralsAddiction]

They are reef safe blennies. On the other hand I had a yellow streak blenny that destroyed my montiporas.