Panther grouper...

[PuffersKick]

I was thinking of adding a Panther Grouper to my tank. It's a 215 FOWLR tank with the following inhabitants.

1 S&S Puffer (the largest fish in the tank)
1 Black dogface puffer
1 Sohal Tang
1 Picasso Trigger
1 Clown Trigger
1 Lunare Wrasse
1 Volitan Lion
1 Fuzzy dwarf lion


I'm so limited on the type of fish I can add due to compatibility issues. I've done alot of research and found my only options to be Grouper or Rabbitfish. I don't like Rabbitfish. So that leaves the Grouper. And out of the Groupers I like the looks of the Panther over any others. Would a panter fit in with my fish? And overall are they a cool fish with good personality?

They had a nice 4" one at the LFS which seems to be a perfect size. Not too big and not too small. I was talking to the guy at the LFS about it and he said it should be fine, but that he didn't like Panthers b/c they are ugly. He mentioned a miniatus grouper (red with blue spots), but I actually disagree and like the Panther better. It has a more unique shape and cool looking fins. Most groupers just have a plain ugly shape...

What do you guys think?

 

[slowECUdiver]

check out the poll that is stickied to the top of this thread...
i don't have one, but if i went with a grouper, it would def. be a panther. problem is, i've only got a 75 gal and he would out grow that in a year!

 

[PuffersKick]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7023539#post7023539 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by slowECUdiver
check out the poll that is stickied to the top of this thread...
i don't have one, but if i went with a grouper, it would def. be a panther. problem is, i've only got a 75 gal and he would out grow that in a year!

Yeah I read that thread. Alot of good info. there, just curious if anyone had anything else to say.

I don't like adding fish just to add a fish. If I add a fish I really want it to stand out in the tank! Looks, personality, demeanor are all important... (damn, like picking out a wife... LOL) Sort of is really b/c if you take care of them should be around for years...

 

[alancolinet]

Panthers from what I have read recently require around 300 gallons or so for them to grow into their full size. They can live in smaller tanks, but it may cause them to become irritable more quickly. They also grow EXTREMELY fast, possibly up to 4-5 inches a year. They can be very aggressive and require their space, which is usually why they require such a large tank. I also read somewhere that some panthers can get big enought that they might as well have their own species own tank!! Though I am sure it is more rare. Hope this helps some.

 

[osufarker]

Panther groupers aren't my favorite and get really big. I have a nice polleni grouper and bluespotted that I like a lot. If I were to get another grouper it would be a miniatus, but I don't have a place for one.

If you are set on a panther grouper, fine, just thought I would give you some other nice looking groupers to check out.

 

[PuffersKick]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7024028#post7024028 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by osufarker
Panther groupers aren't my favorite and get really big. I have a nice polleni grouper and bluespotted that I like a lot. If I were to get another grouper it would be a miniatus, but I don't have a place for one.

If you are set on a panther grouper, fine, just thought I would give you some other nice looking groupers to check out.

To be completely honest I really don't like groupers either. I just can't find any other fish that can go in my tank. Based on my current fish, can anyone think of a nice fish I can add? I was thinking about an Eel, but I don't think it would get enough food in my tank. Not much food ever hits the bottom in my tank...

 

[Titan*69]

A Saddled Grouper would be nice. Not to mention a little less than half the size of a adult panther.

 

[Titan*69]

Or the Miniatus! Add a little color!

 

[PuffersKick]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7024470#post7024470 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Titan*69
Or the Miniatus! Add a little color!

That shrimp is either really brave or really stupid!

What about a snowflake eel? Everything I've read says they are great tankmates. Would it be a good addition to my tank?

 

[Titan*69]

IMO with this group:
1 S&S Puffer (the largest fish in the tank)
1 Black dogface puffer
1 Sohal Tang
1 Picasso Trigger
1 Clown Trigger
1 Lunare Wrasse
1 Volitan Lion
1 Fuzzy dwarf lion

A SFM could be other wise used as a chew-toy. Some people have them in with fish as in your group and have no problem, but I personally wouldn't do it. Like triggers with bottom dwelling shark/ray uncompatibility.

 

[Wolverine]

Before you get a panther grouper, make sure you see a big one in person. Don't look for the size issue, but for the shape and color. Panther groupers look awesome when they're small and medium-sized, but, IMO, they get really ugly when they're big, and tend to be much more drab.

A polleni or miniatus is a much better looking fish, or even a blueline.

Dave

 

[stykthyn]

I agree with wolverine, do a google on them. they completely change shape and color as they get older. not very attractive fish.
and to be honest with the fish you have,i would leave your tank alone. adding more fish just to make it look bigger is not going to be healthy for it.

 

[alancolinet]

A snowflake eel would be the easiest thing to add to your tank, they are also one of the 4 only compatible reef eels I believe. They can be a little aggressive when it comes to feeding time. Mine doesn't care what the other fish are doing since he hides in the LR most of the time with his head poking out. In VERY rare cases will the eel actually attack your fish, since he is not a natural piscivorite this won't happen normally. They can be very active and swim quite a bit when they get excited. I feed mine shrimp on a feeder stick which he accepts readily. Of course, there is always a chance that tankmates will try to bug them, but I wouldn't be to concerned about it. They are cheap to buy and if he proves that he can't be added without causing to much stress then you haven't really shelled out a lot of money on him in the first place. They can also add a good splash of color to the tank.

 

[John@JP]

Just watch your triggers with an eel. a freind of mine had a full grown snowflake eaten chunk by chunk by a small clown trigger. Panthers fade as they get bigger and they hide alot. Not too much fun. What about porkfish, lookdowns, pilotfish, Big angels, sharks, scats, monos, big clowns like tomatos or maroons, you have alot of options.