P. Ciliata Questions

[sdunkin]

I am thinking about getting a P. Ciliata, but I have a few questions first. Would a small one (like 1.5 inch) be okay for a while in a 2.5 gallon with a .5 gallon fuge or should I wait until my 10 gallon tank finishes cycling? It has 3 lbs of live rock and about 5 lbs of sand (to make a 2.5 inch bed), and has a 10 watt CF for lighting.

Also, how does their care requirements compare to Peacocks? I have one now, but beings that the Ciliata is a spearer I didn't know if the care requirements were much different.

Thank you in advance for you help!

 

[Pea-brain]

10 gallons is the absolute minimum for P. ciliata, and many would argue thats too small. Wait until your 10 is cycled. they are a common species and come from almost everywhere but the east coast of America, so no worries about some one taking them all.

P. ciliata is unlike many other spearers. it cannot produce enough mucus to make a stable "U" shaped burrow in the sand. They will do this in mud. in the aquarium large rocks can be burrowed under, or PVC can be supplied. Either will do, though PVC may be slightly better. try to feed it some live shrimp, crabs (they can eat them) or fish every once and a while. Avoid FW fish but FW shrimp are okay, though not nutritional they will provide necessary exercise and stimulation. You can also get SW ghost shrimp at places like aquaculturestore.com at very good prices. Like $16 for 25 shrimp including shipping.

Dan