Helfrichi firefish, can it be kept in a group?

[Mikefallen13]

One of my local LFS's is having a great sale and are currently offering a group of three for $199.95, needless to say I'm very interested in them! My question is can they be kept in a group? Most sites say that they will become agressive if housed together unless they are a mated pair, these guys are a good size (2.5") and don't appear to be paired off yet but I am concerned if two do form a pair and then bully the remaining fish. So do guys think a group of three would be ok in a 37 gal cube with plenty of live rock and a 3" sandbed? They would be the only other fish in the tank besides a pair of mocha ocellaris clownfish and a small coral beauty angel. Please let me know if you guys think this would work out!

 

[fudrock]

Assuming you don't get 3 male/female, two will pair off and the third will be eliminated.

 

[Fish Biscuit]

It's not going to work out in the long run. You will either end up with a pair or just one. If you want a pair your best option is to buy one on DD, they have had lots of Helfrichi pairs lately. I think the pairs are going for about $270.

 

[doosiec]

If you want them paired, a trio or harem you'll need to buy them as that.
Otherwise, it's really difficult to determine their sex.
If you end up with more than one male, they'll keep fighting until one of them is gone.

Yes, it is possible to keep more than 5 in a tank, I've seen ones with a school of 7.

 

[Mikefallen13]

Well I decided against it, one does appear to be being bullied by the other two and the store would only sell them as a trio. I also think $270 is very expensive for a pair of these fish especially when you can buy a pair of purple firefish (which are as beautiful IMO) for under $50.

 

[DustyReefer]

Well I decided against it, one does appear to be being bullied by the other two and the store would only sell them as a trio. I also think $270 is very expensive for a pair of these fish especially when you can buy a pair of purple firefish (which are as beautiful IMO) for under $50.

The reason for the higher price on DD for the pair is because they are a proven pair, and there isn't that risk of getting two fish that will kill each other, as well as the fish being established in captivity for 6 months. Also the same sort of scenario goes for the purple firefish that you mentioned if you wanted to get a pair of them as well.

 

[small alien]

The reason for the higher price on DD for the pair is because they are a proven pair, and there isn't that risk of getting two fish that will kill each other, as well as the fish being established in captivity for 6 months. Also the same sort of scenario goes for the purple firefish that you mentioned if you wanted to get a pair of them as well.

The price is more because of the rarity of the species in the trade than the pair factor. Singles are also very spendy. I agree that purples are just as pretty if not more so.

 

[Mikefallen13]

I realize that they are a proven pair and are well accustomed to captive life but still I feel the price is quite high. Anyway, I asked my LFS and they said they would let me know when they get some purple firefish, so I am just going to hold out until some come in.

 

[the808state]

they are good in larger groups where dominating is split between 3-5 separate individuals. i had 7 once for about 8 months with no problems

 

[small alien]

What size tank? What happened after the 8 month mark? I would imagine in a giant tank, it could work more often. In general, it's a widely accepted no-no to do groups of firefish other than a mated pair. But there are always exceptions. Like orange-spotted filefish that eat flake!

 

[64Ivy]

Trying a trio in a very large (500g) reef tank now. My hopes are there are enough dash holes and hiding places that everyone can get along.

...or that somebody doesn't mind cheatin' on somebody every once in a while.