Compatibility Advice for Tailspot Blenny

erik7281 · 12/07/2014, 03:21 AM

Hello guys,

I have 40 gallon tank with lots of live rock and coral. Currently it contains 2 oscellaris clown fish, 2 yellow tail damsels, 2 firefish, 1 yellow watchmen goby with pistol shrimp. I also have plenty of hermit crabs and snails.

I was wondering if I could add a Tailspot Blenny to my tank. So far I feel like i have established a "peaceful tank" and I am concerned of the blenny causing trouble with their "venemous bite". I was wondering if any one had any feed back on this fish and whether or not I should add it. Is overstocking/territorial of concern?? Water chemistry is all stable and I do regular water changes. Tank has been established for over a year.

Thank you

johnike · 12/07/2014, 05:13 AM

I wouldn't be concerned, great fish with tons of personality.

Newsmyrna80 · 12/07/2014, 09:40 AM

Tailspot blennies do not have a venomous bite. But with 7 fish in a 40 gallon you may be hitting your bioload.

novadan67 · 12/08/2014, 05:26 PM

I did extensive research on the tailspot blenny - everything I've read indicates that they are very peaceful fish. I even posted in the "check your intended fish purchases" sticky and was told that it would work with my stock list, which is almost identical to yours minus the damsels.

Maybe I got a rouge tailspot, but he was quite aggressive. He constantly nipped at my firefish and "trimmed" his dorsal fin down several times. I didn't see any other damage until one day he attacked my small percula - that was the line he crossed! Luckily catching him was a 5 minute job (pull his barnacle home with him inside) - took him back to the LFS.

It's too bad, I really liked that little fish and I may try another one to see if I just got an aggressive individual. I'm inclined to say you will be fine based on my research, just wanted to share my experience.

Fish Biscuit · 12/08/2014, 10:17 PM

Keep an eye on the firefish, I had a pair that went rogue after 3 months. Be prepared to separate them or give one away down the road. I didn't think such a pretty fish could turn so evil.

erik7281 · 12/08/2014, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fish Biscuit

Keep an eye on the firefish, I had a pair that went rogue after 3 months. Be prepared to separate them or give one away down the road. I didn't think such a pretty fish could turn so evil.

Thank you for all your feedback guys! I have actually given away my red firefish and kept my purple one. I've had them for over a year without problems. Now that I have this blenny on the way (literally just shipped over night) I decided to balance out my bio load and gave my firefish to a friend.

I hope all fish get along, I am very excited about my new blenny. Should arrive sometime tomorrow

12/07/2014, 03:21 AM	#1
erik7281 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 75	Compatibility Advice for Tailspot Blenny Hello guys, I have 40 gallon tank with lots of live rock and coral. Currently it contains 2 oscellaris clown fish, 2 yellow tail damsels, 2 firefish, 1 yellow watchmen goby with pistol shrimp. I also have plenty of hermit crabs and snails. I was wondering if I could add a Tailspot Blenny to my tank. So far I feel like i have established a "peaceful tank" and I am concerned of the blenny causing trouble with their "venemous bite". I was wondering if any one had any feed back on this fish and whether or not I should add it. Is overstocking/territorial of concern?? Water chemistry is all stable and I do regular water changes. Tank has been established for over a year. Thank you Last edited by erik7281; 12/07/2014 at 03:39 AM.

12/07/2014, 09:40 AM	#3
Newsmyrna80 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Florida Posts: 2,312	Tailspot blennies do not have a venomous bite. But with 7 fish in a 40 gallon you may be hitting your bioload. __________________ 80 gal frag with 30 gal refugium, Orphek Atlantik LED, Red Sea RSK300 skimmer, predominately SPS and LPS Current Tank Info: 80 gallon reef tank with 30 gal refugium

12/08/2014, 10:17 PM	#5
Fish Biscuit Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Chicago Posts: 1,164	Keep an eye on the firefish, I had a pair that went rogue after 3 months. Be prepared to separate them or give one away down the road. I didn't think such a pretty fish could turn so evil. __________________ Michele I enjoy vodka entirely too much to share with the fish. Current Tank Info: 65 rimless with Eshopps R200 sump, current inhabitants randall goby, helfrichi, possum wrasse, barnacle blenny, mandarin, pistol, peppermint, & fire shrimp, snails, hermits, & LPS

12/07/2014, 05:13 AM	#2
johnike Moved On Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Bureau County Illinois Posts: 5,406	I wouldn't be concerned, great fish with tons of personality.

12/08/2014, 05:26 PM	#4
novadan67 Registered Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 94	I did extensive research on the tailspot blenny - everything I've read indicates that they are very peaceful fish. I even posted in the "check your intended fish purchases" sticky and was told that it would work with my stock list, which is almost identical to yours minus the damsels. Maybe I got a rouge tailspot, but he was quite aggressive. He constantly nipped at my firefish and "trimmed" his dorsal fin down several times. I didn't see any other damage until one day he attacked my small percula - that was the line he crossed! Luckily catching him was a 5 minute job (pull his barnacle home with him inside) - took him back to the LFS. It's too bad, I really liked that little fish and I may try another one to see if I just got an aggressive individual. I'm inclined to say you will be fine based on my research, just wanted to share my experience.