Declevis butterfly

[Philwd]

A LFS in town has 3 declevis butterfly in. 2 near full grown 4" and one baby 1 1/2 ". They all appear to be in very good health and have been there several weeks. I have wanted a butterfly from the tinkerii complex for a while.

I have a 150G SPS dominated reef tank with tons of flow. I am torn between the baby and a larger one. I was hoping for some opinions here. Prices on both are 1/3 what Liveaquaria is currently charging.

Pros for the baby:
- less likely to nip
- soooo cute

Cons
- Might get blown around by my 6000 GPH flow.
- May get bullied by clarkii
- Maybe get ambushed by something in the tank?? I have a pistol shrimp and emerald crabs.

Pros for the larger
- Less likely to get bullied
- Will not be as affected by flow

Cons
- More likely to nip. Maybe. Declevis are rumored to be the safest of the tinkerii complex.

I am leaning towards the baby but am worried about being too small. Which would you buy?

 

[just dave]

I'd remove the Clark's clown and get the small one.

 

[lux_06]

go the small one for sure, much more interesting to watch em grow over time, they will be fine with the currant, they just find the spots they like.

they can be quite soft though and dont handle being picked on well. im really not sure how the clowns would take it? but i did just have a new butterfly beaten up on the first night by my scopas tang so really im not one to be giving advice!!!

 

[Peter Schmiedel]

Dave,

any experience regarding their "reefsafe" level?

 

[just dave]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7764291#post7764291 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Peter Schmiedel
Dave,

any experience regarding their "reefsafe" level?

None and while they are offered to me I've never had any desire for one nor have I ever had a request for one. So consequently I've never ordered one.

 

[alikatoes]

I have never had a coral tank, but they seem to be quite reserved when I feed my large angels clams. If they dont pic at clams that my angels love, I would assume they would be ok with coral.

Go with the small one!

Is your LFS by any chance Aqua touch?

 

[Philwd]

No they are at a different one. Thanks for the input!

 

[rmougey]

Out if curiosity, which store are they at?

 

[Philwd]

Aquarium Arts in Mesa Az. There are now 2 left.