new fish suggestion

[mockranouse]

I currently have two oscelleris clowns, a 6 line wrasse, and a mandarin goby. None of them seem to like me. Everytime i come near the tank everything hides. I had a firefish, but he died at some point and i probably didn't realize for a very long time because none of my fish are very active. I'm looking for something that is compatible with my current fish and is not very shy. Does anyone have any suggestions about another one or possibly two fish I can add that will add some more character to my tank? I'm sick of only seeing my crabs and snails moving around.

 

[zooman72]

Well, assuming you have some room, how about a couple of orange-striped cardinalfish? Mine is as bold as can be, they do not get too big and they are not aggressive at all. The only problem might be is if the tank is "on the small side" that your ocellaris and/ or 6-line might not take too kindly to new neighbors. Banggai and pajama cardinalfish would also work, but they tend to be a little less "confident than the orangestripes. I also have found chalk bass to be quite active and confident in mixed tanks, and they can be kept in a pair or trio in a larger tank.

Keep in mind that if this is a relatively new arrangement or assemblage of fish that it may take a few weeks for them to feel comfortable in their surroundings. I have found that even the shyest fish will often learn to associate you with food if you approach the tank slowly, observe them for a short time, and then feed them - patience is key...

 

[mockranouse]

I'm not entirely sure when everything was added to the 45, but I know the last addition, which was the mandarin, was at least 4 months ago. The six line was probably 5 months ago and the clowns were about 10. I thought they would warm up to me by now. The clowns used to be very entertaining to watch as they would swim all over the tank and they were fine with me, but then I got them an anemone and they just stay in that now. I will look into the cardinal fish, I don't think I've ever seen or heard of an orange-striped one.

 

[zooman72]

Pets Plus in Lockport has several of the orangestriped cardinalfish (as of last week), and they are not uncommon to find. I also like bluebarred cardinalfish, but I rarely see them for sale locally.

 

[rodster912000]

hey zooman i also live in lockport, new to the hobby, mind if i friend ya!

 

[Henry Colf]

Sailfin Blennies are very friendly and will even eat out of your hand. They are excellent algae eaters and usually don't bother other fish unless pervoked. They are kinda ugly in a cool way.

 

[zooman72]

rodster912000 - "friend" away...or PM works too!

mockranouse - Henry is right about the sailfin blennies, but then again I am a blennie "fan"...have not had one in quite a long time unfortunately...good luck with your choice, and let us know how it works out!