2 blennies 1 tank?

blkhawk10

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I was curious to find out if I could peacefully have a tailspot blenny and another blenny together in a 55 gallon tank?
 

4FordFamily

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Ive not tried it but I've heard about mixed success if different enough in appearance and shape
 

Maritimer

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4FordFamily is setting you on the right track . . .

I've got a starry and a midas blenny in a 65. It works with these two because they're different genera and their lifestyles are _very_ different; The starry is a rock-perching algae muncher, while the midas is a mid-water planktivore.

Midas and tailspot are in the same genus, which _might_ throw a flag on that play. Starry and tailspot are both rock-perching algae-munchers, with a more similar shape - not sure if they'd get along, though I seem to recall hearing about some that did. Starry is much larger than tailspot, so for sure, I'd let the tailspot establish first.

~Bruce
 

td3025

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I would say yes and no, it all depends on the two you're trying to mix.

For example, two lawnmowers in the same tank is asking for serious trouble. But like Maritimer and 4FordFamily said, if they are different in appearance and their habits they shouldn't cause problems with each other.

I know when it comes to same species aggressive fish that if they look different enough they'll typically live well together. this goes for wrasse, some species of gobies, and of course blennies.

Only one I really wouldn't mix with other blennies is the lawnmower, just because it's notorious for being extremely aggressive towards other blennies.
 

jlanger

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I agree with the above advice; different genera with differing body shapes has a better chance.
But I would add that the habits of the fish play the most important role. If both blennies are perchers that pick algae off of the rocks, you could have trouble; even if different genera. I was advised against adding an Ecsenius sp. blenny with a Hypsoblennius sp. blenny unless my tank was at least six feet long. The fish do set up territories and defend them aggressively. A 55gal may not be big enough for more than one blenny.
And with all fishes, each fish has its own personality. I had a Starry Blenny that was an absolute terror even though I know of plenty others that do just fine in a community reef.
 

eatbreakfast

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Tailspot blennies are a smaller blenny species and are not as aggressive as some other blenny species.

I wouldn't mix any of the other perching Ecsenius species, but a midas should be fine.

I would also avoid some of the larger blenny species such as algae or starry, as their size and aggression can present problems for the established tail spot.

Meiacanthus species, barnacle blennies, and Paraclinus species should all be fine.
 

eatbreakfast

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Wondering if bicolor and lawnmower would work in a 45 gallon
I would advise against it in that size tank. Lawnmower blennies can be quite territorial towards other "perching" fish, so would need more space to coexist.
 

Cbones1979

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I would advise against it in that size tank. Lawnmower blennies can be quite territorial towards other "perching" fish, so would need more space to coexist.
Will do

just trying to get some algae eaters in my tank with current stock if possible

trying to avoid angels if possible
 

eatbreakfast

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Will do

just trying to get some algae eaters in my tank with current stock if possible

trying to avoid angels if possible
Hector or rainsford gobies are pretty good algae eaters.

For algea control in a tank that size I would recommend Halloween or tuxedo urchin, emerald crabs, or hermit crabs.
 

AC1211

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I keep two tail spots, a lawnmower, bumblebee, midas, watchman, bicolor. They all seem to get along.
My uncle went crazy with 5 blennies and 8 gobies in a 125g all small. It usually does not last for more than 2years. There will be problems likely. Just wait. Unless you feed heavy and have 150+lbs of live rock.
 

Gup

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There's some very good information here, what I have a little kink in my question.

I want to purchase a Tailspot blenny and Midas blemmy in the same 55 gallon tank, At The Same Time.

Advice from you experienced reefers would be most helpful
 

OldRed1

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There's some very good information here, what I have a little kink in my question.

I want to purchase a Tailspot blenny and Midas blemmy in the same 55 gallon tank, At The Same Time.

Advice from you experienced reefers would be most helpful
Bumping this thread because I have the same exact question. Can a Midas and Tailspot get along in a 25g peninsula?
 

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