Is this a good predator list?

A

AquariumMan

New member
So, I'm planning a predator 400-450 gallon DIY Predator tank for my new project in the summer.
but first I would like to know if the fish I'm planning to put in are compatible, From what I've read they are at least semi-Compatible.

List:
Emperor Angel Fish
Angler Fish
Volitan Lionfish
Tessalata Eel


on Live aquaria (Where I found all the fish) I looked at the chart and it said they were all Compatible, Some with caution.

If this list doesn't work, Any other Ideas?

(Tank will probably be more towards a 400g-415g)
 
the eel can stumble and eat the lion fish and the angler if its hungry at night . most of my eels get much more adventurous at night forging for a snack and they will eat anything in your tank if they come into contact with them , they don't become friends with tank mates ever .
 
Get a smaller, "nicer" eel.

Also what kind of angler? I worry the volitan could eat it depending on how big the angler gets.
 
hey alexa ! that would be a better choice for the eel but then you have a smaller eel with the others getting larger ,someday there could be problems as the eel looks more like a worm to them .its a tough road to hoe when dealing with predators as they never become friends rather competitors for food .if you ever don't keep them happy they turn to their tank mates for dinner .
 
We certainly never know how predators will react to one another in captivity. It is that constant unpredictable challenge that attracts me to keep them. I have had a grouper eat my barracuda, then the green moray ate the grouper. They are all fish that are at the top of the food chain, you would think they would have more respect for each other. If you are prepared to loose stock to predation on a regular basis, nothing in the hobby can compare with the sight of predators in a large system
The tessalata that you are intending to keep, will probably consume the other fish on the list during the first evening. Then again, you may get lucky, roll the dice, and good luck.
 
Last edited:
Hey Dave! I just meant something smaller than a tessy haha. Something in the 2-3 foot range that isn't as known for destroying tank mates would be nice. A zebra eel would perhaps be ideal, even though they get bigger (not an issue given the tank size). But something with prettier teeth would be a G. miliaris, and they generally are pretty good with tank mates.
 
ok, so the two recalls would be the Tessy and angler?
Angler would only get to 5" But that might make a good snack for the Lion fish.
Would there be any conflicts with the angel though?

EDIT: I found another angler that gets to 8.5" the Striated Angler, would the lion know its big enough to protect it self than?
 
i wouldn't try an angler and a lionfish at the same time. The chances of one or the other growing bigger than the other are pretty high. You could try and get more than lionfish or just the angler. I have owned the striated angler in a specimen tank, and I will tell you they can be very hard to get them to accept frozen food. Also if you just get the lion(s) you can always add other fish if you wanted to.
 
Baldwin said:
i wouldn't try an angler and a lionfish at the same time. The chances of one or the other growing bigger than the other are pretty high. You could try and get more than lionfish or just the angler. I have owned the striated angler in a specimen tank, and I will tell you they can be very hard to get them to accept frozen food. Also if you just get the lion(s) you can always add other fish if you wanted to.
Click to expand...

I think I might go with that, the Aquarium is going to be a show tank and a divider between the kids and adults side of the basement, So I want it to look good. The Lion I think will make it look a little better although I like anglers a lot.
So The fish list re-made with everyones thoughts:
Volitan Lionfish (1 or 2?)
Zebra Eel
Emperor Angel fish

Anything to add or comprimise?
 
You could get a few volitans in that size tank. I would also consider looking into some of the bigger wrasse species, they would provide a lot of color and activity.
 
Ok, So I really need everybodys opinion on this.
My fish list now is:
Zebra Eel
Volitan Lionfish (1-3?)
Dragoon Wrasse
Emperor Angel Fish

Any comcerns, Or anything to add?
 
anbosu said:
Some people have had issues with wrasses and lions, but I have never had any problems in the past. They aren't really predators, but a tang or two would be nice as well.
Click to expand...

I could try that, What about a puffer?
I checked and it seems that it would do good with all of the other fish,
And for tang, how about a Naso?

Also What would be the limit for the tank?
 
Puffers and lions typically don't do too well together. I think a Naso would be a good addition, they are pretty peaceful and are obviously attractive fish. The good thing is with a tank of your size you can get quite a few fish in there, as long as you stock slowly and have proper filtration. I have never had a tank of that size (although there are several on here who have or still have one) and even adding the naso you would be pretty lightly stocked. You could look into some groupers, one of my favorites is the miniatus grouper, although in my limited experience with them they can be bullies.
 
Ok so I'll start off with (adding at different times):
Zebra Eel
Emperor Angel Fish
Volitan Lionfish
Naso Tang
Dragon Wrasse


Just so everbody knows..
I do know how saltwater works and I have a 45 gallon reef tank right now.
I decided to have the big aquarium be Fish only because I didn't want to start another reef right after, and it'd be a little easier.
 
dragon wrasse's tend to get pretty drab with age IMO. you might want to keep looking around a bit. also one of my favorite fish of all time is a giant hawkfish(Cirrhitus rivulatus ) they have alot of personality and nice color depending on the specimen although a little treaky to find. ive only seen them in specimen tanks, im not sure how well they play with others. id take your time, decide what species you realy love. ive always found lions to be really pretty but a bit boring long term.
 
acoff87 said:
dragon wrasse's tend to get pretty drab with age IMO. you might want to keep looking around a bit. also one of my favorite fish of all time is a giant hawkfish(Cirrhitus rivulatus ) they have alot of personality and nice color depending on the specimen although a little treaky to find. ive only seen them in specimen tanks, im not sure how well they play with others. id take your time, decide what species you realy love. ive always found lions to be really pretty but a bit boring long term.
Click to expand...

Would the giant hawk fish get along though?
 
um the dragon wrasse would certainly become lunch with the eel and lionfish as tankmates ,a tusk would be much more suitable .
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

CONSPICILLUM
Multiple Morays as Tankmates (No Fish)
Replies
0
Views
678
CONSPICILLUM
CONSPICILLUM
Z
How does this reduced stocking list look?
Replies
6
Views
1K
Zionas
Z
A
Is there a death list?
Replies
18
Views
2K
HumbleFish
HumbleFish
Taahirs
Help with sharks
Replies
16
Views
2K
CLucas_27
C
RootDirectory
Getting Started!
Replies
2
Views
1K
outssider
O
Back
Top