Flametail blenny help

WhiteAsRice · Dec 3, 2019

Hello friends,

I need some help/advice. On sunday I noticed that my little buddy here has some kind of scrape or sore on his right side and I havent a clue what caused it. When adding some seaweed yesterday I noticed my kole tang, who he had been quarantined with 3 months ago being aggressive toward him at the veggie clip backing him down into the rocks, and even gave a few tail swats at him. There's only the 2 of them plus a tailspot in their 90gal tank and I havent added or changed anything but the water since they've were all added at the same time. Im hoping it's just a scrape from some rocks and that the tang isn't responsible because of course, the blenny is my fiancee's Favorite and I like the tang because he earns his keep. Dont want to put one in refugium or worse have to sell my kole tang but I think I'm lacking other options

Sorry for the rant, I'm pretty stressed out about the little bugger. Any help identifying what the mark on his side is or even some suggestions for trying to keep the peace would be/are greatly appreciated. Many thanks in advance!

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LAReefer4Life · Dec 3, 2019

Looks like it could easily be aggression. If you have or get an acclimation box you can put the kole tang in time out for 2 weeks or so to allow the blenny to establish territory. This may allow the aggression to calm down.

Katrina71 · Dec 3, 2019

Tangs see blennies as competition for food. Same buffet line.

WhiteAsRice · Dec 3, 2019

Katrina71 said:
Tangs see blennies as competition for food. Same buffet line.

Always worried about that. but in qt and for the past 3 months in general they've been out eating seaweed peacefully together

Katrina71 · Dec 3, 2019

Could you feed in 2 opposite sides of the tank?

WhiteAsRice · Dec 3, 2019

pathot984 said:
Looks like it could easily be aggression. If you have or get an acclimation box you can put the kole tang in time out for 2 weeks or so to allow the blenny to establish territory. This may allow the aggression to calm down.

Katrina71 said:
Could you feed in 2 opposite sides of the tank?

Actually trying that as I'm typing this. Really dont wanna seperate

Bossman · Dec 3, 2019

I had a yellow eye kole tang harass my lawnmower blenny to point I thought he would starve. He was always hiding. We relocated the tang to another tank and the blenny fattened up nicely and now has the run of the tank. I have a two spot bristletooth in my RS 425 and he did the same thing to a blenny in that tank. Moved the blenny out. My blue and yellow tang have never done this. But the bristletooth variety seems to be especially prejudiced towards the blennies.

WhiteAsRice · Dec 3, 2019

Bossman said:
I had a yellow eye kole tang harass my lawnmower blenny to point I thought he would starve. He was always hiding. We relocated the tang to another tank and the blenny fattened up nicely and now has the run of the tank. I have a two spot bristletooth in my RS 425 and he did the same thing to a blenny in that tank. Moved the blenny out. My blue and yellow tang have never done this. But the bristletooth variety seems to be especially prejudiced towards the blennies.

Yea I'm thinking I might have to find one a new home.. I'd rather not banish one to the refugium.. or maybe I can convince the fiancee we need a 2nd tank after all...? My first attempt was shown no interest haha

Katrina71 · Dec 3, 2019

Your Blenny would be the best option for a Sump Supervisor imo.

Bossman · Dec 3, 2019

Having multiple tanks is more work. But more fun too! I've moved fish, corals and inverts from one to another if problems exist.

I have read on these forums many times of the kole tang blenny aggression problem. Good luck! I love the blennies.

WhiteAsRice · Dec 3, 2019

Katrina71 said:
Your Blenny would be the best option for a Sump Supervisor imo.

Theres plenty of room for him in there I just know I'll get **** from the mrs lol

Katrina71 · Dec 3, 2019

WhiteAsRice said:
Theres plenty of room for him in there I just know I'll get **** from the mrs lol

Then show her my post. You'll NEED another tank.

WhiteAsRice · Dec 3, 2019

Bossman said:
Having multiple tanks is more work. But more fun too! I've moved fish, corals and inverts from one to another if problems exist.

I have read on these forums many times of the kole tang blenny aggression problem. Good luck! I love the blennies.

Thanks for the input!!!

WhiteAsRice · Dec 3, 2019

Katrina71 said:
Then show her my post. You'll NEED another tank.

Oh, I will! It'll be one of the first things when she walks through the door after work

WhiteAsRice · Dec 3, 2019

pathot984 said:
Looks like it could easily be aggression. If you have or get an acclimation box you can put the kole tang in time out for 2 weeks or so to allow the blenny to establish territory. This may allow the aggression to calm down.

I don't have a box, that's a good idea. Indid however give him a mirror away from where i usually feed to keep him busy while i was at work today. The blennies condition didnt worsen so hopefully with a careful eye and some refereeing I'll keep the gang together. Thanks for your input!