Wow, it's been nearly a year since my last update.
I've got quite the fish tale to share. Honestly, luck hasn't been on my side when it comes to fishkeeping.
Once upon a time, I had a stunning clownfish named Cheeto. He was my first fish, and I adored him. Alongside Cheeto, I had a Royal Gamma and a Storki Damsel. Unfortunately, the damsel lived up to its reputation and bullied the Royal Gamma. Frustrated, I rehomed the damsel to a local reefer in NJ, hoping for better luck.
Next, I brought home a Tailspot Blenny and a baby clown. Within a mere 48 hours, both were dead. Talk about a letdown.
Undeterred, I added an Orange Back Wrasse, another Tailspot Blenny, and a Firefish to the tank after a few weeks. Then tragedy struck again - Cheeto passed away. I was devastated.
Meanwhile, the Royal Gamma continued its bullying ways, now targeting the new Tailspot Blenny, whom I affectionately nicknamed Mr. Beaks. Despite feeling sorry for him, Mr. Beaks managed to stay out of the Royal Gamma's reach.
Things took a turn when the Firefish also passed away. Left with a Tailspot Blenny, Royal Gamma, and Orange Back Wrasse, I found myself growing fond of the Wrasse, who seemed to establish himself as the peacekeeper in the tank.
Deciding to expand the tank's inhabitants, I ordered a Blue Tang, a Helfrich Firefish, and a Red Head Solon Wrasse from an online vendor. However, introducing these new fish proved disastrous. The Tailspot Blenny went into a frenzy, relentlessly chasing the newcomers. The Blue Tang fought back but ultimately perished, and the Helfrich Firefish suffered constant harassment.
Meanwhile, the once-bully Royal Gamma began displaying distressing behavior, hiding in the zoa garden with its tail up and head down. Shortly after, it passed away.
To address the aggression issues, I attempted to isolate the troublesome Tailspot Blenny, first in the tank's rear chamber and then in an isolation box. However, the bullying persisted, leading me to consider rehoming the aggressor.
Despite my efforts, the situation worsened. The Helfrich Firefish went missing, and despite thorough searching, I couldn't locate its body. Frustrated and angry, I blamed Mr. Beaks for the disappearance. This afternoon I see the Hellfrich but it's scared of Mr. Beaks. I don't take any chances and place the HellF in the rear for now.
In a last-ditch effort to restore harmony to the tank, I plan to remove the Tailspot Blenny this weekend and find it a new home.
This hobby sure has its challenges.
