Blenny Compatibility

[Mikedawg]

So I'm rehousing the fish and corals from a couple of nanos into a RedSea Max E 260 (56 gallon display) which will have live Tukani rock for cover, supplemental food, etc. Right now I'm wondering if a Molly Miller Blenny (Scartella cristata) and a Scooter Blenny (Synchiropus ocellatus) of the same size will co-exist. I know both are peaceful by themselves, but they have such a similar body shape and color that I think some aggression might be triggered if they are put together. Since they'll be impossible to catch in my new tank, I want to have a clear sense of any problems to expect.

What experience has anyone had with this combination or is such a relationship DOA - they will almost certainly fight?

Thanks, hate to have to get rid of one or the other - both remind me of girlfriends past.

 

[nautical_nathaniel]

The scooter Benny isn't a Benny first off, it's a dragonet, so in theory they should get along. That being said, from my experience diving with Molly Miller blennies I have figured out that they are little meanies sometimes so you may have some potential aggression from time to time. I would just keep a close eye on them when you make the transition :)

 

[Mikedawg]

The scooter Benny isn't a Benny first off, it's a dragonet, so in theory they should get along. That being said, from my experience diving with Molly Miller blennies I have figured out that they are little meanies sometimes so you may have some potential aggression from time to time. I would just keep a close eye on them when you make the transition :)

Yeah, both attack my turkey baster with real ferocity. I know they come from different parts of the ocean, Fiji v. the Caribbean, and was hoping they don't have any "natural" aggression because of that. Just hate to think about the difficulty in removing one if the marriage doesn't work out.
Thanks.

 

[nautical_nathaniel]

Yeah, both attack my turkey baster with real ferocity. I know they come from different parts of the ocean, Fiji v. the Caribbean, and was hoping they don't have any "natural" aggression because of that. Just hate to think about the difficulty in removing one if the marriage doesn't work out.
Thanks.

What is the size difference between the two?

 

[Mikedawg]

What is the size difference between the two?

Almost identical in size which makes decision even harder

 

[nautical_nathaniel]

Almost identical in size which makes decision even harder

I think that's a but more favorable, the Benny may be less likely to pick on a fish the same size as him from what I've seen in the wild but this is aquaria we are talking about and it could go either way.

 

[CindyKz]

My Molly Miller is a total butt. He has tried to attack pretty much everything I have added to the sand bed, including my mandarin. That started off really badly, but one taste of the Mandy's slime coat was all it took for the MM to back off (the drama was HYSTERICAL!).

I don't know if scooter blennies have any similar natural defenses. If they don't, I'd be very hesitant. Just my experience.

ETA: My Mandy and my Blenny are about the same size.