Fish recommendation

[Blk_Gto]

Hello everyone,

I posted last week about a blenny/goby recommendation. Well, originally I was going to get a citron goby but I'm having difficulty finding one in my area. I really don't like mail ordering fish cause I like to see them before I buy them. So, I've decided to go with one of the following:

1. Six-lined wrasse(love their character and the fact that they swim between your rockwork)
2. Yellowhead jawfish(thought he would be interesting but scared he's going to dig his tunnel in the back of the tank)
3. Forktail blenny/Midas blenny (like their color and personality.)
4. Pygmy Angel (a fish that moves around a lot. Creates more action in the tank)

These are the fishes that I'm interested in and I know they've all been in the store for more than a week. I've also seen all of them eat.

Which one would you recommend? I currently only have a percula clown in my tank but lots of coral. Thanks!

 

[Super Len]

Sixline or Midas gets my vote.

 

[Blk_Gto]

Leonard, you have a BEAUTIFUL tank!! For those of you that haven't seen it, check it out. Congrats!

BTW: This is a fish for a 20G

 

[Super Len]

Thanks.

For a 20g, I lean towards the Midas over the Sixline, although all the fish listed are possibilities. Since I'm "New and Improved," I guess I should expound.

I don't recommend the jawfish because they have too many special requirements: they jump (needs covered tank), must have at least 2" substrate (preferably 4"+), need to target feed them (they don't come up for food), etc.

I don't recommend dwarf angels like the pygmy (C.argi) because I don't trust Centropyges in my reef tanks. C.argi is your best bet in a 20 gallon in terms of Centropyges, but it's not the best absolute fish to keep in a small tank.

 

[Anonymous]

You'll like the midas blenny. The sixline could do a number on your pods in a 20.

Glenn

 

[naesco]

I would recommend against the angel and the yellowhead.
Consider a fairy wrasse if you can find a plumb healthy one

 

[Blk_Gto]

Yeah... I was somewhat leaning against the yellowhead cause I know they are a lot of work but there is one here that I know if very healthy. That's the only reason I was thinking of getting it cause they are hard to come by.

As for the wrasse, I was also scared that he would clean out my complete pod population. But I love to see them search all over the rocks for those suckers!

Now why would you discourage against the pygmy? I know they can get somwhat big but I would definitely move him to a larger tank when that time comes.

Personally, I think all the fish on the list have great personalities and appearance. But it looks like it's going towards the midas as of now. Any other inputs?

 

[Super Len]

Generally, I don't like Centropyges in reefs because they all have tendancies to nip at decorative stuff like corals or clams or worms. Most are pretty aggressive as well.

A fairy wrasse (Cirrhilabrus sp.) in a 20 gallon is a no-no. The genus needs plenty of swimming space, and requires a minimum of 50 gallons (perferably a 4'+ 75g+ tank) to be comfortable. Flasher wrasses (Paracheilinus sp.) are possiblities, but this genus is notorious for jumping, being shy, and not as hardy as its cousins.

 

[Blk_Gto]

I just realized that my tank is covered

It's weird that you say the yellowhead needs to be target fed. When I saw them feeding it at the store, he would shoot on up and eat the brine shrimp. But then again, he was in one of those secluded "cages". You know... where they have them on a wall with all the fishes separated w/ acrylic. I also have a thick sandbed. Any reasons as to void the yellowhead out?

 

[Super Len]

Actually, with just a percula as a tankmate, it may very well be more aggressive in feeding. I forgot to take your stock into account. In tanks shared with more aggressive feedings, jawfish won't be able to compete for food; hence, the necessity of target feeding.

There's really no substantial reason against a jawfish. It's not as hardy as the rest (bacterial infections abound), but it can do fine in your tank, as long as you you have a fine substrate bed (preferably deep).

 

[Blk_Gto]

I've always wanted one so I might give it a try. I heard that gobies can from a partnership w/ pistol shrimps. Would that work here?

The pgymy angel and the wrasse are out due to the size of the tank. Wouldn't want my biological filtering to take a beating.

I guess that leaves me w/ the blennies/gobies.

[ October 31, 2001: Message edited by: Blk_Gto ]</p>

 

[Super Len]

The yellowhead (Opistognathus aurifons) does not share a symbiotic relationship with pistols. Other gobies (like Cryptocentrus and Stonigobius) do. Pardon any spelling errors, as I'm in a rush

 

[naesco]

I stand corrected.
The fairy wrasse does need a 50 plus gallon tank as Leonard suggested.
Scott Michael recommendation is the same.
Too bad your tank is too small as this is an outstanding fish for a 50 plus gallon tank.