Blue Damselfish an Algae Picker?

Megability · Aug 12, 2021

I added a fiesty Blue Damselfish as the first fish to my RSR625 after it was cycled and it’s been doing great for 3 weeks now.

I (over)feed him 1/2 a cube or so of krill or other meaty stuff every day or every other day, and he eats well, but I notice he also likes to cruise around and peck the rocks for algae like a Lawnmower Blenny would -was not expecting that…

-is that normal?

-and/or does that mean he’s hungry for cubes or other meaty foods, and I should give him even more or more often?

Thanks!

PS he also poops a LOT!

for such a tiny fish…

andiesreef · Aug 12, 2021

Damselfish sometimes hunt flatworms and small crustaceans, or so I've heard. And fish are always hungry. As long as he is plump and happy I wouldn't feed any more. He may just be looking for some snacks in your rockwork.

takitaj · Aug 12, 2021

Damsels are omnivores so it's possible it was eating algae.

Tired · Aug 12, 2021

Blue damselfish in particular don't eat a lot of algae, he's probably snacking on small bugs like copepods. Some damselfish farm and eat algae, but I don't think they're normally kept in aquariums.

If you're feeding him a good meal every day, he should be fine.

CanuckReefer · Aug 12, 2021

Megability said:
I added a fiesty Blue Damselfish as the first fish to my RSR625 after it was cycled and it’s been doing great for 3 weeks now.

I (over)feed him 1/2 a cube or so of krill or other meaty stuff every day or every other day, and he eats well, but I notice he also likes to cruise around and peck the rocks for algae like a Lawnmower Blenny would -was not expecting that…

-is that normal?

-and/or does that mean he’s hungry for cubes or other meaty foods, and I should give him even more or more often?

Thanks!

PS he also poops a LOT! for such a tiny fish…

It's normal, and it's great... doing a bit of work for you in between feedings. They will forage like most fish, sit back and enjoy.