Fish for a smallish reef

[eskimoigloo]

Hi guys, it's new fish time in a couple of weeks, or as the missus says "pay day". I currently have 1 yellow tang, 2 humbug damsels, 2 perc clowns, 1 scarlet hawkfish in my 48x18x12 reef. I will be adding a mandarin as mine escaped from the tank somehow!. Any recommendations for something to add next that's maybe a bit different? Everything I want gets far too big for my system! I really want a dwarf angel but don't want to risk it with my soft corals.

Cheers, Chris.

[Zeus]

Hi mate,

Instead of the Mandarin how about a Scooter Dragonet, I have found that they are more amiable towards prepared and frozen foods. Can't beat the Mandarin for looks though.

Dwarf Angels, how about a Coral Beauty (C. Bispinosus), they tend to be omnivorous detrivators and I don't recall anyone complaning about them munching corals.

If the CB doesn't suit, how about a Cherub (C. Argi).

If you want something different in the Angel front, how about one of the Genicanthus species? Watanabei and Bellus seem to be the most common, males and females are totally different in pattern and colouration. Planktivores so no troubles with corals.

Don't forget the Blennies, but not sure about compatability with the Hawkfish. Best to check on that.

HTH
Campbell

[Tetley]

Hi,

I have a Flame, good as gold, eats like a pig.

Only downside, is he likes to be in the rock work, so do not get to see him much.

Like you, I am looking to add.

ATB

Ian

[Gillybaby]

How about something a wee bit different from your other fish - a Yellow Watchman Goby or other shrimp goby, there are lots of species. Pair it with a pistol shrimp and you can have hours of endless fun watching them interact with each other ;)

[eskimoigloo]

Some good ideas there... didn't know about coral beauties, will have a look see if I like them! Had my eye on a rusty or flame, but can't afford to risk it. Like the idea of a Goby shrimp combo... maybe get a pair already matched up next time I see one.

[Zeus]

Some good ideas there... didn't know about coral beauties, will have a look see if I like them! Had my eye on a rusty or flame, but can't afford to risk it. Like the idea of a Goby shrimp combo... maybe get a pair already matched up next time I see one.

Danger!!! :D

Shrimp + Hawkfish = Prawn salad. :eek:

I'd watch out for that.

Campbell

[Electric Monk]

Has to be a Coral beauty :)

[eskimoigloo]

Thinking that way myself... will see what there is at the RR meet.

[eskimoigloo]

Just been reading up on the Coral Beauty at liveaquaria.com and it says this is one of the worst dwarf angels to keep in respect to nipping corals etc???

[callum_parsons]

i have an Eibl's dwarf angel and hasnt gone any where near my softies and he is intrested in the outside world
packed with personality

[MR Teee]

Just been reading up on the Coral Beauty at liveaquaria.com and it says this is one of the worst dwarf angels to keep in respect to nipping corals etc???

The are individual in tht respect. Mine has been in for a year and I have never seen him touch anything he shouldn't

[MR Teee]

Just found this in another forum.

Black sailfin goby.

http://www.diving4images.com/images/gallery/images/RS-black_sailfin_goby.jpg

I have never seen one in a shop mind you.

[Gillybaby]

I love that goby - never seen one in the flesh either.

I had always thought that CB's were one of the least likely dwarf angels to nip corals. I've had my CB for 2.5 years and she has never nipped anything in that time, I even have a clam and she doesn't go near it.