Caribbean biotope

[fish042099]

What would be showy and colorful but hardy tankmates for a Caribbean biotope with a chain moray,sergeant major, and a 3" coney grouper?

 

[michael_cb_125]

Get a Lionfish, they would fit into a 2011 Caribbean biotope nicely

But on a more serious note, what about an Indigo Hamlet?

~Michael

 

[fish042099]

I was actually looking at both those fish. I eliminated the lionfish because he might sting me, and I guess I just forgot about the hamlet. But would the lionfish sting me?

 

[DoubleM 10]

I was actually looking at both those fish. I eliminated the lionfish because he might sting me, and I guess I just forgot about the hamlet. But would the lionfish sting me?

the lionfish COULD sting you.

they are not aggressive with the spikes and fins. they are more for intimdation and protection.

if the lion feels threatened it will put the spikes out. it will NOT attack you with the spikes. they are for protection and display only

 

[fish042099]

Would a volitans work, they're big.

 

[DoubleM 10]

how large of a tank is this? lions need a bit more to turn around.
also they are not the best community feeders. they would need to be spot-fed. with the tankmates you have listed and th possible that i see you are concidering i think a lionfish might be a challange to keep because of the fast moving aggressive nature of the others.

thats my .02

 

[michael_cb_125]

Here is a juvenile volitans that I hand caught in Key West. You really dont have to worry about getting stung provided you take precautions.

~Michael

 

[fish042099]

My tank is 100 gallons. Also, that's a cool pic!

 

[DoubleM 10]

a full grown v. lionfish or a russels lion will not fit in the tank. medium body lions yes. good luck

 

[fish042099]

How about the spotfin lionfish?

 

[DoubleM 10]

if you can find one that shipped well. also have to consider size as part of the equation cause IME lions will try anything once. make sure no one fits into anyone elses mouths lol then i think you could be ok.

 

[fish042099]

I never get things online, only at my LFS. I don't trust online shopping anymore.....

 

[chilwil84]

Acanthurus chirurgus commonly called the Doctor fish. not a real flashy fish i just got one a couple months ago real good eater and is very active. u could also get a caribbean blue tang but i dont think they do real well in smaller tanks.

 

[gouramiguy]

I have a sand perch in one of my tanks right now - he's one of the cooler fish I've ever owned. He's not that colorful but has a great personality plus he's very hardy.

 

[albano]

the lionfish COULD sting you.

it will NOT attack you with the spikes. they are for protection and display only

NOT IME....over 20 years ago, while cleaning the glass, a Volitan "attacked' me and put 5 "spikes" into the back of my hand...deep enough that when I pulled my hand from the tank. the lion was still 'attached' to me and was accidentally thrown from the tank!
I obviously survived, but the 5 'stab marks' took almost a year to clear up!

 

[TucsonRat]

i vote the indigo hamlet as well. pictures dont do them justice. He is my favorite fish in the tank.

 

[fish042099]

Cool. I already have a fish that swims around in every square inch of the tank. I'll think I'll look into the indigo hamlet. What about a spotted scorpionfish?

 

[AlexS95]

 

[fish042099]

Cool pics. Similar to the one I saw in Bonaire!

 

[stykthyn]

another and often overlooked caribbean gem is the jeweled damsel : pun intended hahahaha: