Tailspot Blenny Feeding

Capoe126 · Oct 28, 2022

Hey all,

I have had a tailspot blenny in my 20 gallon cube for about 5 weeks now. He loves picking at algae and rock, however he won't take any type of food put in the tank. This includes flakes, pellets, frozen, and seaweed sheets. Even tried a garlic additive recced by my LFS which is meant to entice eating. Two things I am worried about: There isn't a whole lot of algae in the tank so im worried about him being underfed. (I like keeping the glass panels clean but I am letting them grow a bit of algae for the fish) and I would like to add coral but I am worried as a picker in such a small tank he might go after it.

Thoughts on getting him to accept food and if you think he'd be safe with coral in his current foraging state? Thanks!

vetteguy53081 · Oct 29, 2022

Capoe126 said:
Hey all,

I have had a tailspot blenny in my 20 gallon cube for about 5 weeks now. He loves picking at algae and rock, however he won't take any type of food put in the tank. This includes flakes, pellets, frozen, and seaweed sheets. Even tried a garlic additive recced by my LFS which is meant to entice eating. Two things I am worried about: There isn't a whole lot of algae in the tank so im worried about him being underfed. (I like keeping the glass panels clean but I am letting them grow a bit of algae for the fish) and I would like to add coral but I am worried as a picker in such a small tank he might go after it.

Thoughts on getting him to accept food and if you think he'd be safe with coral in his current foraging state? Thanks!

They are heavy slgae feeders but will eat bloodworms, brine shrimp, mysis and live copepods

Rico's Reefnecks · Oct 29, 2022

I have one that likes the Hikari seaweed extreme pellets (small size), and took to nibbling on frozen mysis after a month or so. He hasn't bothered my coral (LPS).

408Dartfish · Oct 29, 2022

I’ve had my tail spot 4 months or so. Haven’t seen it eat anything but the algae off glass, seems to be growing. This is in a 60 gallon.

tinyfellows · Oct 29, 2022

Rico's Reefnecks said:
I have one that likes the Hikari seaweed extreme pellets (small size), and took to nibbling on frozen mysis after a month or so. He hasn't bothered my coral (LPS).

Mine likes hilarious seaweed extreme as well but I have to feed him from a turkey baster as my orchid dotty back goes after any food he goes for even though there is plenty floating around.

JoJosReef · Oct 29, 2022

Mine loves TDO Small pellets--it tried for the medium ones meant for the firefish, but they are comically large in its mouth and usually fall out.

I soak the TDO pellets first in a soup of Reef Nutrition Oyster Feast, R.O.E. feast (the blenny also eats the eggs), Mysis Feast and Phyto Feast (dead).

Never had a problem with it. TSB took to eating them from day 1. Haven't tried other pellets, but my clowns refused TDO and only like NLS pellets, so might just be a matter of trying a few brands.

tinyfellows · Oct 29, 2022

You are lucky on the algae front though I haven’t seen my tail spot show any interest in algae

Capoe126 · Oct 29, 2022

vetteguy53081 said:
They are heavy slgae feeders but will eat bloodworms, brine shrimp, mysis and live copepods

Cool, I’ll try some live stuff to entice him

Mschmidt · Oct 29, 2022

Mine doesn't touch the corals: leathers, mushrooms, zoa, and lps. But does pick at algae around the tank. He seems to like what's on the power head.

Capoe126 · Oct 29, 2022

tinyfellows said:
You are lucky on the algae front though I haven’t seen my tail spot show any interest in algae

Yeah this guy goes at it all day

Capoe126 · Oct 31, 2022

Mschmidt said:
Mine doesn't touch the corals: leathers, mushrooms, zoa, and lps. But does pick at algae around the tank. He seems to like what's on the power head.

Cool I hope mine will be tolerant as well. I also have an airedale (yours might be a welsh) myself! great dogs

RedoubtReef · Oct 31, 2022

Mine used to eat nori on the clip I'd put in for my yellow tang.

Mschmidt · Oct 31, 2022

Capoe126 said:
Cool I hope mine will be tolerant as well. I also have an airedale (yours might be a welsh) myself! great dogs

Nope, you were right the first time, Airedale. He'sy first of the breed. I grew up with German shepherds. He's a good dog, but I'm used to a little less independence.

Capoe126 · Oct 31, 2022

RedoubtReef said:
Mine used to eat nori on the clip I'd put in for my yellow tang.

Ive had no luck with the clip, I put it right in front of his cave and he ignores it. Judging from this thread these fish have quite a range of eating habits so I guess I will keep trying some new strategies and be thankful for now he is actively working consistently on the algae.

Capoe126 · Oct 31, 2022

Mschmidt said:
Nope, you were right the first time, Airedale. He'sy first of the breed. I grew up with German shepherds. He's a good dog, but I'm used to a little less independence.

Yes, i know what you mean. They really appreciate having their own space.

Mschmidt · Oct 31, 2022

Capoe126 said:
Yes, i know what you mean. They really appreciate having their own space.

As long as we're both outside together, and I'm on hold for when he wants to play, he's a happy puppy.

Osbie Feel · Nov 14, 2022

Ever get the lil bugger to eat? Mine is 2 weeks old and like yours, only seems to care for algae and pods. I have a decent amount of algae but I'm not sure that will be a sustainable diet in the long run, in only a 16g.

Capoe126 · Nov 14, 2022

Osbie Feel said:
Ever get the lil bugger to eat? Mine is 2 weeks old and like yours, only seems to care for algae and pods. I have a decent amount of algae but I'm not sure that will be a sustainable diet in the long run, in only a 16g.

No luck for me, he is still picking at the glass and rocks and appears to be healthy. Now 3 months in. He just has no interest in any foods that I put in. Lately I have tried brine shrimp but he wasn’t interested.

MaxM · Nov 14, 2022

Capoe126 said:
No luck for me, he is still picking at the glass and rocks and appears to be healthy. Now 3 months in. He just has no interest in any foods that I put in. Lately I have tried brine shrimp but he wasn’t interested.

My bicolor is listed as being primarily an algae eater but he doesn't agree. He waits for me to spot feed and goes after blood worms. He hangs in his shell home and doesn't really pick anything off the rocks.

Capoe126 · Nov 14, 2022

MaxM said:
My bicolor is listed as being primarily an algae eater but he doesn't agree. He waits for me to spot feed and goes after blood worms. He hangs in his shell home and doesn't really pick anything off the rocks.

I’ll try bloodworms next, I’m pot committed at this point