Firefish question

[Shawn O]

I hear that you can't put two firefish in a tank unless it's a bonded pair, is this just for conspecifics or is it any firefish? I have an Orange firefish and would like to add a Purple or Exquisite someday, if possible.

 

[eatbreakfast]

Sometimes it works with different species, sometimes it does not. Sorry for the unsatisfying answer, but there is no se answer for it.

 

[Maxxingout]

Even as a bonded pair it'll be only a matter of time before they split and you'll have to take 1 out. This just happened to me. Had a pair that's been together for close to a year or longer. Noticed that the larger one was chasing the smaller one. Had a heck of a time catching it but finally did. Would not have bought a pair if I already knew this a head of time.

 

[snorvich]

Even with a bonded pair it is a roll of the dice. Sometimes two different species work out but that is unpredictable since the split seems to happen about 4-6 months down the line.

 

[hotelbravo]

Ive got 3 in my tank its been less than a month so im sure the aggression is coming but for right now they are all swimming side by side in the water column never seem to hide and when they do they all go to the same hole.

 

[tc2007]

Before I read about this, I put 2 same type firefish in my 90g. Within days I saw one beaten up and about to die, with top fin missing. My LFS has 2-3 of different type in the same tank (135G) with lot of branch rocks etc. I think if they have enough space and hiding spaces it may work. I am wanting to add a zebra barred goby and at least 1 scissortail dart goby with my current firefish goby.

 

[Shawn O]

Thanks folks. That's what I figured. I think I may have already asked this question but have forgotten the answer. I seem to have the attention span of a goldfish sometimes. ; )

 

[snorvich]

Thanks folks. That's what I figured. I think I may have already asked this question but have forgotten the answer. I seem to have the attention span of a goldfish sometimes. ; )

No problem. I have forgotten that you have asked as I too have the attention span of a mosquito.

:beer:

 

[Shawn O]

Curious if two of different species would coexist if rocks were in separate "islands", spaced a bit apart. Something to keep in mind if I ever end up running more than one tank, as I'd need a place to put one of them were fighting to start.

 

[snorvich]

Curious if two of different species would coexist if rocks were in separate "islands", spaced a bit apart. Something to keep in mind if I ever end up running more than one tank, as I'd need a place to put one of them were fighting to start.

The reason that is not a good strategy is you would have to take your tank apart to catch the one being dominated.

 

[Shawn O]

Doh! That hadn't crossed my mind. Thanks, Steve. Well now I have a reason to make up a reason to start a second tank, right? ; )

 

[AT]

I have bought 3 firefish in the last 3 months the first lasted 3 days then was in the overflow got him out 2days later missing 2cnd one nobody messing with him bought live brine to help him get acclimated lights out never saw him again . #3 same as #2 I don't know if they have heart attacks or something but they seem fine until the lights go out never to be seen again. It sucks because they are my favorite fish

 

[Shawn O]

Either killing each other after lights out or something else in the tank is killing them after lights out? Sounds like a good excuse to set up a DVR with day/night camera.