Snowflake (Starry) Blenny not eating?

Discussion in 'Tropical Fish' started by MoJoe, Apr 20, 2010.

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  1. MoJoe

    MoJoe Dragon Wrasse

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    So, I was having a minimal algae outbreak, patches here and there. I picked up a Snowflake (Starry) Blenny on Saturday. Interesting character, but it hasn't eaten anything since then. The algae tufts are all still there. I notice he sits near the algae, with his mouth pretty much hovering over, but takes no bites. Do I need to add some type of condiment to make the algae more appealing, ie mustard or relish??

    Should I worry it will starve? I wasn't sure if blenny's are similar to the mandarin/copepod relation where they only eat algae. It has showed no interest in the frozen foods I feed.

    Here is a picture of the "the elder", you can see the tuft of algae to the right of him even:
     

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    MoJoe, Apr 20, 2010
    MoJoe, Apr 20, 2010
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  2. greysoul

    greysoul Stylophora

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    I would use Mayo... real mayo, no miracle whip.

    Ranch dressing might work as well.

    ... you HAVE explained to him that he needs to eat the algae right, never assume their mothers told them... talk slow, the water distorts sounds.
     
    greysoul, Apr 20, 2010
    greysoul, Apr 20, 2010
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  3. MoJoe

    MoJoe Dragon Wrasse

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    haha, I like your style grey! Well, he just sits there with the plastic fork I threw in and just stares at the algae. I think my other fish believe him to be a magical poo like Mr. Hankey, they are uber confused.
     
    MoJoe, Apr 20, 2010
    MoJoe, Apr 20, 2010
    #3
  4. missionsix

    missionsix Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Just like any other fish purchase, you should see if it will eat in the store. I wouldn't recommend this type of fish for any algae control at all. I just consider it a plus that they do. FWIW, there are theories that these blennies are actually after the fauna that lives in the algae. The shape of a fish's mouth can tell you alot about their primary diet. I know it sounds a little strange but, I always check out the mouths of different fish. One more thing, I had one in my last tank and never saw it eat anything I fed. It lived 'til I sold the tank and always looked very healthy. I didn't have much in the way of algae but, did have tons of amphipods, munnid isopods, copepods, and tons of other fauna for it to feed on. I'm not carving this into concrete, just my speculation. :) The name of the group of blennies escapes me right now.
     
    missionsix, Apr 20, 2010
    missionsix, Apr 20, 2010
    #4
  5. MoJoe

    MoJoe Dragon Wrasse

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    Thanks for the insight! I have never done much research on blennies particulary. My LFS friend is fairly knowledgeable and he recommended I try this Starry or an Algae blenny to see if they would take the algae in my tank. I'll have to monitor it, as they just got this Starry in a few days before I got it, I know the Algae blenny they had was there for a while.

    I may swap them out as the other blenny was actively eating lots of their algae.
     
    MoJoe, Apr 20, 2010
    MoJoe, Apr 20, 2010
    #5