scooter dragonet

[seahorse 1319]

I have read the post on this little guy but dont see my answer. I have 100 g. FOWLR , refugium (put a bottle of copods in it a month ago), 30 lbs. of LR and 3" deep Live Sand, 2 clown fish, 3 damsels, 3 peppermint shrimp,10 hermit crabs, 5 cerith snails. Tank has been running since end of Jan., water results, SG 1.025, Ph 8.0, phosphate,nitrate,nitrite,ammonia 0, dkh 8, calcium 25. Unfortunately someone gave me this scooter dragonet a month ago, I feed him frozen mysis,brine,bloodworms. I feed him with a tube put in the tank he seems to be getting where to eat I have seen him eat but I am not sure he is getting enough. I hear these little guys can slowly strave to death and I really dont want that to happen. He usually scoots around on the rocks and sand during the day but he also spends a lot of time going up and down the glass is this normal or is he trying to get out to find some food. Please I have search everywhere for their behavior and how to tell if they are starving or not. I would love to keep him but only if I know that he has enough to eat and he is happy.

[ToddTT]

If he is climbing the glass, I would think he is looking for copepods and not trying to escape. Unless maybe you have a cookie jar within sight of the tank.

Seriously though, does his body look somewhat uniform in width, tapering down (thinner) towards his tail? If so, he is probably doing okay. If he looks pinched, or very narrow, then you need to worry.

The fact that you have actually seen him eat is a very good sign.

Do you have any pics to post?

I have the same concern for mine, because I rarely see him get anything significant when I feed my tank. But because he spends his entire day foraging, I'm sure he is finding stuff to eat. But to hedge my bets, I have recently found that very small sinking pellets are a favorite of his. Marine Depot threw them in as a freebie with my last order:

Sera Granmarin Marine Food - 500ml Images

It looks like they may be discontinued, but you can probably still find it, or a similar product.

Every few feedings I'll add about 15 granules (they are tiny), and my dragonet finds them almost immediately in a 75 gallon tank.

Good luck.

[seahorse 1319]

I moved the cookie jar full of fish food so her should be ok now. LOL
I sent a picture of him I think I sent it right if you dont get it let me know , he didnt want to pose. his body is big at the head and slenders down nicely to his tail he doesnt look like he has missed to many meals I guess if he starts looking skinner I should then get concerned . Does he need a mate or is he better alone. I say he I dont know his sex his top fin is not very big maybe about a 1" tall when he has it up. I will also look for some of those granules , Thank you so much for your help sounds like everything is stable right now.

[ToddTT]

He (she?) looks chubby to me. Might need to go on a diet.

He's looking fine. They are best kept one male to a tank, unless it is a larger tank (like yours). And you can keep a male with several females.

But I would leave well enough alone.

More info:

Saltwater Aquarium Fish for Marine Aquariums: Scooter Blenny

[seahorse 1319]

Thank you so much for your help I will rest easier knowing I am not starving him. Take care and keep int touch.