discussing lionfish
discussing lionfish
I'm planning to get a Lionfish and I was wondering what other fish and creatures I can keep in the tank with it. I know I'll have to get rid of my small fish, that's a given. I've got boxing crabs, hermit crabs, a starfish, and a decorator crab in the tank right now. Honestly, I don't mind if the Lionfish eats the hermit crabs. The boxing crabs are pretty safe, they hide in little crevices in my live rock. But should I get rid of the decorator crab too? I'd love to keep the starfish if possible - it's medium to large in size. I also have a Tennent tang, about 5" long. Do you think it'd be too much to have both a Lionfish and the tang in a 60 gallon tank?
Re: discussing lionfish
If I get a volitans lion, which seems to be the most common type, I'm worried it'll get too big for my 60 gallon tank.
Re: discussing lionfish
Which species of Dwarf Lionfish are you referring to? You weren't specific again.
Dendrochirus Blazulipterus, the Fuzzy Dwarf Lionfish, Dendrochirus Zebra, the Zebra Lionfish, and Dendrochirus Biocellatus, the Fu Manchu Lionfish, are all beautiful species with unique needs, appearances, and qualities. They also come in varying sizes.
What size tank were you thinking of keeping them in? Gallons would be preferred. And what about tankmates? What are they?
Edit: I've just seen it's a 60-gallon tank. That's fine for dwarf species. The rest of your info depends on the species, especially when it comes to the crabs.
Dendrochirus Blazulipterus, the Fuzzy Dwarf Lionfish, Dendrochirus Zebra, the Zebra Lionfish, and Dendrochirus Biocellatus, the Fu Manchu Lionfish, are all beautiful species with unique needs, appearances, and qualities. They also come in varying sizes.
What size tank were you thinking of keeping them in? Gallons would be preferred. And what about tankmates? What are they?
Edit: I've just seen it's a 60-gallon tank. That's fine for dwarf species. The rest of your info depends on the species, especially when it comes to the crabs.
Re: discussing lionfish
I was referring to the Fuzzy Dwarf Lionfish. I've got a 60 gallon tank, and I've got a variety of tank mates - 4 1/2" long tennent tang, which is quite large, and a real character, I might add. I also have a clownfish and a Pygmy Dwarf Angelfish, but I'm planning on rehousing them if necessary, to avoid overcrowding. Then there's the Bahama starfish, many hermit crabs, and boxing crabs that hide in the live rock. And let's not forget the large decorator crab. I've got about 60ish lbs of live rock in the tank as well.
My main concern is the tennent tang - I love his personality, and I'm worried he'll get stung by the lionfish, given the tank size and his active nature. I want to ensure the best living situation for all my fish and crustaceans. What's your take on the compatibility of these tank mates with a Fuzzy Dwarf Lionfish?
My main concern is the tennent tang - I love his personality, and I'm worried he'll get stung by the lionfish, given the tank size and his active nature. I want to ensure the best living situation for all my fish and crustaceans. What's your take on the compatibility of these tank mates with a Fuzzy Dwarf Lionfish?
Re: discussing lionfish
You shouldn't worry too much about stings, I've had my Fuzzy Dwarf in a 30-gallon tank and I've never been stung - although, I think he's convinced I'm always there to feed him.
When I first got him, he was at my LFS and seemed to eat the cleanup crew he was with, so that's something to consider. Your tang could potentially hurt himself if he's too boisterous.
How big are your clowns? Fuzzy Dwarfs typically grow to about 4 inches, so if they're small enough, they might be seen as food. My tankmates for my Fuzzy Dwarf are fish that are too big to be eaten and generally stay out of his way.
Just a heads up, they can be quite greedy. You'll also have fun weaning him onto frozen foods - good luck with that.
When I first got him, he was at my LFS and seemed to eat the cleanup crew he was with, so that's something to consider. Your tang could potentially hurt himself if he's too boisterous.
How big are your clowns? Fuzzy Dwarfs typically grow to about 4 inches, so if they're small enough, they might be seen as food. My tankmates for my Fuzzy Dwarf are fish that are too big to be eaten and generally stay out of his way.
Just a heads up, they can be quite greedy. You'll also have fun weaning him onto frozen foods - good luck with that.