firefish and horses

DebsSisterFlo

DebsSisterFlo

New member
My local Petco had gotten some purple firefish and oh my! how pretty! I know they can go into a seahorse tank, but my question is, can I have two? It's a 38g tank with 35lbs live rock. I plan on having a pair of horses, along with the green clown goby and scooter blenny that will be in there. I'd love to have a purple firefish in there, but could I also have a regular firefish as well, or would it be better to only have one?
Thanks!
 
With so many fishes I don't think a seahorse should be there.

Firefish, esp purple, which imo are more aggressive/ territorial than the common red firefish, are also known to fight their own unless they're a mated pair. Make sure you observe that they don't fight in your LFS tank. My LFS also had 2 purple firefish, just minutes within being released from the bag, they couldn't leave each other alone, it's like watching betta fighting fish go at it.

Anyways, good luck with your setup.
 
IMO, that is too many fish. With 4 fish eating against the sea horse, it may turn ugly.

I would say 3 at most because the clown goby and scooter blenny are small, but wih 2 active medium size fish... they might steal it all from the sea horses.

As far as firefish being kept in a group or not, it can go both ways.

I have heard that they are found in schools and where I work, there are multiple firefish in the same tank with no problems.

But I have also heard of firefish beating each other up.
 
ok, thanks... see I have read that they are peaceful and ok with seahorses. That's why I'm doing my research ahead of time! My first and foremost concern is the seahorses. The goby and blenny will be in that tank because they are in my 20g right now, and that will need to be converted back to fw for my poor kribensis clan.
So, is there a chance that there is a peaceful slow fish that I could add to the seahorse tank? I wouldn't mind some color and movement, if it's possible. Pajama cardinalfish are cute... if it would be better for the horses if I didn't add another fish then I won't... you know how it is tho, you always want one more!
 
I have had succsess with firefish and cardinals in the past.

IMHO I think you could do firefish in your 38g with your other inhabitants just fine.

IME the firefish did not share food with the seahorse at all, but I only feed live shrimp, it may be different with frozen mysis.

I have had red firefish in groups of 3 with no problems. No fighting at all. Make sure the tank is covered, they are known to jump, which is how I lost my first one.

IME firsfish seem to be more active in groups, but I have also read reports of disputes, although I have not seen it myself.

Good Luck.
 
I would do the pajama cardinal. They are not just docile they won't directly compete for food like firefish. My firefish would snatch everything from the water column. It was about as bad as my clownfish. Plus most cardinals tend to feed at night. You could feed them at diffrent times.
 
I have cardinals in my lps tank...I would think twice before putting them in with SH's. Mine did get big, and will eat very quickly. I do think pipefish are best with sea horses....MK
 
Ya i have a Bangaii cardinal in my 30g. and HE IS A BIG FAT BIG! he comes to the top of the tank when im near it begging for food... and when iput food in the other fish better stear clear of him or they will be sorrry.. lol.. but in all seriousness i wouldnt he gets way to active at feeding time!!
 
do pajama's get as big as Bangaii's? I don't really want pipefish...
I ended up with 50 pounds of live rock in the 38g... here's a pic, and any more opinions WILL be appreciated! I don't want to buy a fish only to regret it, as I am putting the seahorses as first priority... but again, if I got one red firefish that sure would add some color to an otherwise slightly drab tank... or a pajama cardinal... or??? I will be adding mushrooms here and there, as well as a few feather dusters...
oh, the sponge filter is a temp just to clear the water, it was silty after adding the rock...

live_rock_all_set_up.sized.jpg
 
Consider a rainfordi goby. They only eat algea and do not bother the seahorses. Just make sure you have plenty of green stuff or they can be hard to keep. And sometimes the other fish pick on them. They are very quiet and mind their own business.
Teresa
 
Ok so how about this:
a rainford goby and a regular firefish? Then eventually a pair of horses...
gotta research the rainfords tho, I've heard they're hard to keep?
 
regular fire fish is ok. I have one in my tank and I just got horses over the weekend. All is well the firefish doesn't steal food or anything like that.
 
ok, this is not one that you had mentioned, but I love my jawfish that is in with my seahorses. At first he was very shy, but now he has the greatest personality. You would need a dsb, but if you already planned on having one, a jawfish would be a good consideration. They are beautifully colored. Plus it is so interesting to constantly watch them work on their home.
 
I have a regular firefish in my 40 cube with horses. I've had him about a year with the horses and he has been a model citizen. In my old 30, he hid most of the time. In the new tank he comes out much more ( I arranged the rock so he feels secure but is still visible).

I like him very much and he is definitely not a problem with the horses. He eats frozen mysis along side them. I have never seen the slightest agression from him.

Carolyn
 
oh, and I think that getting two would be fine as long as they are not males.

and that its pushing the bioload, but its not bad...

lets see: 2 seahorses
1 green clown goby
1 scooter
2 firefish.

yup, not too bad. pushing, and you'll need to keep up the water changes, but still not TOO bad.
 
Since the tank appears drab to you..have you considered some pretty gorgonians,seagrass,red macro-algae,or something of this nature? That along with a few nice feather dusters or a coco worm would look great! Maybe some interesting invert like a few little sexy shrimp..they perch and display out in front. Perhaps you could do a few easy to keep colorful corals.Just some suggestions...I think four fish is plenty in a 38.
Espo..I would'nt put a cowfish in with seahorses. They are too aggressive when they eat, and can nuke a tank if stressed.
 
well, I have a similar tank (I keep saying that-doh) its a little over 30 gallons (32 maybe?) I have my three horses in it

and today I'm getting 2 more fish for it... thats a total of 5 fish. and then I know I'm maxxed out on fish! after this comes corals.

BUT, yeah, the seahorses aren't too flashy until they are in breeding mode. so thats alot of the reason why I'm getting more fish. plus, they eat the same foods, so they can clean up what the horses don't eat, AND eat the tiny mysis that I don't like to feed my horses.

oh, and they are a midas blenny, and a yellow-headed jawfish. YEA!!! I'm excited. sorry...

back to the original topic!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

newlifeolsen
Mix of fish for my 150 saltwater fish only tank
Replies
0
Views
149
newlifeolsen
newlifeolsen
J
Algae
2
Replies
20
Views
816
Jamie805
J
Beadz
Please help with fish list - TIA
Replies
3
Views
403
wvned
wvned
S
Flow questions
Replies
5
Views
454
Sermanley
S
P
50 Gallon Stocking Help
2
Replies
21
Views
922
Urka
U
Back
Top