Anyone have info on Chalk Basses?

[SteveJakubiec]

I am thinking of adding 5 to my 120g when I have it set up. I have a few questions, and all help would be appreciated.

1. Do they school/shoal in the Home Aquarium?
2. What is their temperament like?
3. Anyone have any in their tanks, w/ some pics?
4. Where could I find some information on their care.



Thanks,
Steve

 

[philter4]

I don't have pic's of any, but they are native here and I've collected and kept them on many occasions.

1. Yes they school but it isn't a polorized school. What that means is they form loose groups, but don't swim in unison.

2. They are peaceful, shy in fact, they are planktavores so they don't bother any motile or non motlle inverts. Shrimp, crabs and all coral are safe with them.

3. Sorry no pics right now

4. Not sure where to find care info, but they are easy to care for, eating most aquarium foods, and I've kept them in both groups and single, the first one I collected was alone where I caught it and I kept it by itself for about 3 months before I collected more. My tank conditions are what ever the ocean is, I use natural sea water, no heater, and they were kept with fish and inverts.

Hope this helps

 

[espocrespo]

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+2730+1700&pcatid=1700&N=0

 

[wrasseguy2]

this is a pic of mine...he is very shy and seems to hang out more at night..i wanted more but after this one i do not want anymore beacuse he steals all the food i spot feed to my corals..it is a chore to feed now..and plus he eats like a pig when i feed the fish

 

[AuroraDrvr]

We've got two. It looks like one is possible about to lay eggs. She's got a bloated look and has been extra secretive lately. (eating well with no signs of illness, also feces are normal)

The adapt well to captive life, feeding on anything and everything offered. They are an attractive active species, that tends to stick to the lower 1/3 of the tank. They are very peaceful.. Even an orange-stripped cardinal bullies them from time to time.

 

[AuroraDrvr]

Some pics of them in QT a few months ago.

 

[SteveJakubiec]

Thanks, I'm considering 5 for my 120g that I'll be starting next year.

 

[DarthSimon]

WHy 5? Why now just start with one or a pair?? I'm sure there will be other fish you will want to put in there... Don't overcrowd it with 5 Chalks... Though do as you wish....

 

[tangafish]

I have a pair in my 135. They are one of my favorite fish. They are very hardy, eat like pigs. They are not agressive in the least IME. The do not shoal like an anthias or chromis though if that is what you are wanting.

 

[Chibils]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13086280#post13086280 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tangafish
I have a pair in my 135. They are one of my favorite fish. They are very hardy, eat like pigs. They are not agressive in the least IME. The do not shoal like an anthias or chromis though if that is what you are wanting.

What do you mean by this? Chromis shoal pretty loosely as-is... I've been looking at Chalk Bass as well, all my lfs have been getting them in lately.

 

[tangafish]

I previously had 5 green chromis and they swam together in a shoal. That may not be typical but IME they did. Of course over time they picked each other off one by one and now I have 1 lone chromis.

I think you will be very happy with them if you get them. They stay fairly small and under the colors really pops ecspecially under actinics.

 

[SteveJakubiec]

Proposed Stock List for the 120 is as follows:


5-Chalk Bass

2-Ocellaris Clownfish w/ Anemone (Already Have in 55)

1-Leopard Wrasse (Already Have in 55)

1-Starry Blenny (Already Have in 55)

1-Yellow Tang or Purple Tang

1-Potter's Angel

2-Yashia Shrimp Gobies (Pair) w/Pistol Shrimp

1-Magnificent Foxface

 

[dones20]

in my opinion they are cool fish but its true what darth simon said as apposed to 5 i would get 1 or 2 they are not all that attractive in my opinon other than that they are natives here in the atlantic and are extremely hardy and also shy they can also get a bit agressive to any chalks or basslets in that case that are introduced after they are established

 

[tangafish]

If it were me, I would just get a pair of them. As much as I love my chalk bass I like a little variety. Why not just get 2 and then you would still be able to add a couple different fish maybe a royal gramma , a trio of anthias or a couple flasher wrasse's to give you some more colors. Our tanks fill up sooo fast and once you are out of room it is too late to add more unless you trade off some of your livestock. Just a thought.