Lawnmower Blennie eating on Orange Tree Sponge

[Subsea]

For certain, Orange Tree Sponge is my pride & joy. I received two of them 4 months ago. They have done well in each of my displays, 120G & 75G. Due to maintenance upgrade on 120G, a few days ago, I put both Orange Tree sponges in 25 year mature 75G display.

https://www.reef2reef.com/attachments/image-jpg.2035897/

Yes, I saw Hippo tang and Sailfin Blennie grazing on tree sponge occasionally. As time past, I noted Algae Blennie grazing more aggressively as later determined by missing biomass in side of sponge. Now new growth as signified by emerging translucent growth in every spot eaten by Lawnmower & Hippo.

 

[mrlavalamp]

My lawnmower started nipping all sorts of stuff early on in his time in my tank.

I increased feedings and he stopped. Not spectacular or anything but that's what worked for me.

I keep an eye on him now and when I see him perched near a coral but facing the coral not the rest of the water, I know I caught him snacking and increase my feeding again.

 

[Subsea]

[I keep an eye on him now and when I see him perched near a coral but facing the coral not the rest of the water, I know I caught him snacking and increase my feeding again.]

Interesting, because mine does that as well. I have seen Flame Hawks do that. This guy eats dry flake food, frozen mysis. I am going to try mussels.

 

[Subsea]

Blennie peaking over green flower anemon. The second Orange Tree Sponge shows spots purple cyno which require toothbrush before Lawnmover goes to work.

 

[Subsea]

Hippo cruising what he might graze next.