Chalk Bass - Good choice that's often overlooked

[joejoe1055]

+1 for the chalk bass
had one and loved it, want to get some again

 

[TheFishTeen]

Well about the size, here's my thoughts. Websites where tropical fish information is given, they usually state the largest size they can reach in an aquarium. In the ocean, the exact same species can grow much larger. In Mike NY's case, the bass could have grown past the average max size (recorded in an aquarium), and could have reached the true (meaning largest recorded from the ocean) maximum size.

This is could also be a potential reason why when you visit a public aquarium with large displays (where the fish has thousands of gallons of a 'home'), sometimes you will see tropical fish much larger than when you see them in home aquariums.

Just my theory. Not saying this is fact, just putting it out there as an idea.

 

[sixty4tw]

Glad to see some enthusiasm for them. I hope the post about them getting huge does not scare people away. I agree that this is very uncommon.

I have had my little dude for about a month and he is great. They really are super peaceful. Definitely do not recommend for tanks with bullies. My YWG, though not a bully, is very territorial and always lunges at the chalk bass when it get too close. Can't catch him though, very fast. The clown gets along with him fine.

My particular fish is very active and although he has a few favorite spots he is in open water a great deal. A very voracious eater and seems to prefer frozen mysis the best (will spit out flake food). Another thing I like about him is that he patrols the bottom constantly and does a good job of eating leftovers that have fallen to the substrate. Nips at LR a lot too, so not sure how it would be with corals.

Any more experiences...would love to hear.

 

[sixty4tw]

I see the Tanaka's possum about 5 minutes a day but I love that fish and the bioload is low. The green banded goby I see about once a week. It is very pretty and one I had previously was out more. So, both for me are beautiful and peaceful and easy to keep but rather cryptic. Honestly, about half my fish I almost never see. :hmm4:

I agree that cryptic fish are not for everyone, but the Possum Wrasses are very cool. Is yours hardy? Has it acclimated well and does it get bullied?

 

[cainedog]

My 3-4 chalk bass harassed my beautiful Blotched Anthias constantly until it finally died and can't wait to get him out ....beware...

 

[tc2007]

My 3-4 chalk bass harassed my beautiful Blotched Anthias constantly until it finally died and can't wait to get him out ....beware...

+1

I cannot wait to get my sole Chalk Bass out of my 93G cube. It constantly bothers and pushes the poor chromis to one side and hogs all the food before other fishes can get to it. Color wise it is meh. I don't see why you should get one for your tank when there are plenty of colorful fish out there for cheap.

 

[SoloChromis]

I loved mine :beer: One day when I get a larger tank I plan on adding a group of them, very underrated and subtly beautiful fish. To me, these, along with possum wrasses, assessors, and fang blennies are some of the most underrated fish out there

 

[ca1ore]

I suppose beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I think the chalkie is a really pretty fish .... certainly not loud coloration, but nice blues and oranges.



Confess to never having had aggression problems with any of mine, though they have also never been the alpha fish in my tanks either.

 

[Gangous]

Really cool looking when they get bigger