brain not doing so hot after a year - i think its my blenny

fish_taste_good · #1 04/25/2006, 09:10 AM

I have a maze brain that I bought about a year ago (maybe less). It was a damaged / broken piece that I bought for $5 on the hopes of it surviving.

Well, it has until now. When I first got it it was probably about half the size of a Plastic SOLO cup. It is currently twice the size of that.

It has been on the rocks in the middle of my tank since day one. all the corals around have been there since day one as well. There is some xenia, some shrooms, and some Rics.

The other day I noticed a small spot where the mushroom was pressed up against it. I am not sure how long it had been like that but it could have been for awhile and it never registered in my head. I cut the mushroom out of that area and where it was pressing up against it is now receding. I then left over the weekend and it has receded in more places.

No drastic water additions / subtractions. I have no idea what my parameters are since I have never tested them. I just keep up on my water changes. I have been doing this since 97 for all my tanks.

I have noticed a bicolor blenny that I added recently has been in the area of the brain. He eats around it but I haven't seen him eat off the brain. I have also recently added a six line but he has been no where near it.

Got any ideas? I will post a close up pic of it tonight.

Full tank shot - it is above and to the left of the hammer

This is the Brain in FEB

fish_taste_good · #2 04/25/2006, 09:13 AM

This was originally posted in the main forum but it receieved little attention.

After watching my tank last night, I noticed my blenny nip at it twice.

Is this normal? I have never seen a blenny eat a coral.

I do not starve my tank. I feed just about once a day.

xcreonx · #3 04/25/2006, 09:18 PM

It's really possible for any algae-eating fish to nip or taste a coral, however rare. I know that tangs can nip corals, especially LPS corals, so it's not far to say a blenny could.

David Grigor · #4 04/26/2006, 01:05 PM

What is the type of blenny ?

Bi-color blennies can be model citizens for years then turn on you. The is no 100% guarantee to be reef safe.

Typically lawnmower blennies are pretty reef safe. They can irritate and may be munching on some algae on any exposed skeleton. Don't hear very many reports of them causing problems.