Tail spot blenny attacking firefish

[Cappagli82]

Okay, I have searched and I see comments that tail spots and firefish get long. However, I purchased. Tail spot blenny to add to my 75 gallon (fish and invert) tank and now he goes after my firefish. I had the firefish first and it's not like he's going to the bennies spot. The firefish will just be hanging out in the front on display and the tail spot will take off after him. Why is he doing this? Any advice?
Also, I have not noticed the bennies actually getting a hold of the firefish (no marks or ripped fins), I just don't want the firefish stressed out.

 

[Tahoe61]

Once that type of aggression starts there is not much you can do. You can try an acclimation box for the Blenny, tape a small mirror to the side of the tank to distract the Blenny, but honestly you're probably going to remove one of the fish. There are no hard and fast rule for fishes, they all have their unique personality.

 

[eatbreakfast]

Agreed. Even though these fish should get along fine, especially with the firefish in first, there are always exceptions.

Increasing feeding frequency can sometimes help.

 

[HB AL]

Catch the blenny if you can and throw him in the sump for a few days, then put him back in your dt and hope he got the message.

 

[Cappagli82]

Yea, I was so upset when I seen it happening and couldn't find anyone else complaining with a tail spot and a firefish. Just my luck! I will try putting him in the sump or an acclimation box and see if that helps. If not I guess I will need to find him a new home. Thank you for the tips.

 

[RedReef87]

I actually bought a fire fish today and my tail spot started attacking the fire fish. Not sure why, there is plenty of space and not any competition for food.

 

[Cappagli82]

I actually bought a fire fish today and my tail spot started attacking the fire fish. Not sure why, there is plenty of space and not any competition for food.

Yea, I think it's because they are similar in body shape. The blenny will go to the other end of the tank where my firefish is, just to attack him. I picked up another firefish to see if two of them would scare the blenny into leaving him alone (two vs one) because the lfs said sometimes that will help, but it didnt work. I even tried the mirror trick and it didnt work either. So, I removed the tail spot and put him in my son's tank. Problem solved!

 

[GoldeneyeRet]

I keep dartfish and other small easily intimidated fish. I do not keep Ecsenius blennies with them for that exact reason. I tried on multiple occasions with several different blenny species and always ended up with hiding (or worse) dartfish assessors etc.

I have better luck keeping fang blennies with firefish.

Hopefully they sort it out

I

 

[RedReef87]

My LFS suggested moving my rocks around and increasing feeding.

 

[Cappagli82]

My LFS suggested moving my rocks around and increasing feeding.

Won't work, I tried that as well. I tried everything possible with no luck!

 

[Cappagli82]

I keep dartfish and other small easily intimidated fish. I do not keep Ecsenius blennies with them for that exact reason. I tried on multiple occasions with several different blenny species and always ended up with hiding (or worse) dartfish assessors etc.

I have better luck keeping fang blennies with firefish.

Hopefully they sort it out

I removed him and put him in my son's tank. So now my firefish are happy and living bully free!

 

[GoldeneyeRet]

Good to hear you had an option