Peppermint Hogfish - To do or not to do?

[Myka]

I have read some conflicting information on the internet. I'm wondering if some of you can help with a stocking dilemma...?

I have a 90 gallon mixed SPS/LPS/Gorgonian reef tank. Current inhabitants are (in order of addition):

~ Pearly Jawfish
~ Sharknose Goby
~ Hector's Goby
~ Picasso Percula Clownfish
~ Platinum Percula Clownfish
~ McCosker's Fairy Wrasse 2"
~ Candy Hogfish 2 1/2"

I acquired a 2" Peppermint Hogfish today. He is currently happily lapping the sump. Should I find him a new home or add him to the tank?

I'm not sure which specie he is, so here is a photo:

 

[jd474]

B. sepiacaudus. The 2 I've kept were great fish, but weren't safe with small crustaceans. Mixing this genus when small is generally OK, but you should have a plan if it doesn't work out. Also, make sure you have a covered top.

 

[skibum9884]

I think it sounds good besides the candy hog. Even still, I think you have a good chance of success. I would socially acclimate the new hogfish in an acrylic box for a day or two. They should be ok in a 90 gallon, I would think.

 

[Sigmund]

I see no problem at all with the mix. Should fit in fine, especially since the Hector goby was in first.

I have had 2 different with various gobies and wrasses and never had any problems. Will jump though so have egg crate or something to prevent him from carpet surfing.

 

[Myka]

Ok, thanks for the help and the specie ID. I understand there are three that look very similar. The only crustaceans I have in the tank are pods.

The display tank at the LFS has a large Peppermint Hogfish in with a myriad of typical reef fishes so I figured it would be ok, but I came across a few threads on RC that suggested people's Peppermint Hogfish had killed several wrasses and gobies. So I was rather concerned! Maybe they are different species?

The Candy Hogfish has only been in the tank for 3 days, so that should help if there are any troubles there. I notice this morning the Candy Hogfish is chasing the McCosker and Hector a bit.

The tank is not covered although I usually put a towel over the tank for a few days when a new fish arrives. There is no way to put egg crate on it because the lights are sitting on wooden braces that I placed across the tank since the fixture didn't come with legs. I have some PFO pendants I'm going to mount in a canopy with a Tek retrofit, but that could be weeks down the road. Ok, so it will probably be months...I work out of province. I will leave the Peppermint in the sump until next weekend to make sure he is fully acclimated and has a big belly before he goes into the display.

I don't really have any option if it doesn't work, except to find a new home for him. I have a 20 gallon Zoa tank (too small), a Banggai specie tank, and a Pearly Jawfish specie tank. I don't think either of the specie tanks would be impressed with a boisterous Hogfish.

 

[Robka]

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

 

[Robka]

Ok, thanks for the help and the specie ID. I understand there are three that look very similar. The only crustaceans I have in the tank are pods.

The display tank at the LFS has a large Peppermint Hogfish in with a myriad of typical reef fishes so I figured it would be ok, but I came across a few threads on RC that suggested people's Peppermint Hogfish had killed several wrasses and gobies. So I was rather concerned! Maybe they are different species?

The Candy Hogfish has only been in the tank for 3 days, so that should help if there are any troubles there. I notice this morning the Candy Hogfish is chasing the McCosker and Hector a bit.

The tank is not covered although I usually put a towel over the tank for a few days when a new fish arrives. There is no way to put egg crate on it because the lights are sitting on wooden braces that I placed across the tank since the fixture didn't come with legs. I have some PFO pendants I'm going to mount in a canopy with a Tek retrofit, but that could be weeks down the road. Ok, so it will probably be months...I work out of province. I will leave the Peppermint in the sump until next weekend to make sure he is fully acclimated and has a big belly before he goes into the display.

I don't really have any option if it doesn't work, except to find a new home for him. I have a 20 gallon Zoa tank (too small), a Banggai specie tank, and a Pearly Jawfish specie tank. I don't think either of the specie tanks would be impressed with a boisterous Hogfish.

I agree, u should probably find the Hogfish a new home. I wouldn't keep any Hogfish or Wrasse in a tank without a cover. It is only a matter of time before they jump I think the best cover is bird netting in an aluminum (patio door frame) I built them for perfect custom fit and this gives the fish a nice soft netting to bounce off instead of hard egg crate:rollface:

good luck

 

[snorvich]

Yes, egg crate will not keep those fish in.

 

[Myka]

I agree, u should probably find the Hogfish a new home. I wouldn't keep any Hogfish or Wrasse in a tank without a cover.

Thanks for your info. Aside from the jumping issue, you think the fish would be compatible?

I can leave the Peppermint Hogfish in the sump until I cover the tank, but the Candy Hogfish and the McCosker's Wrasse are already in the display.

 

[Robka]

Thanks for your info. Aside from the jumping issue, you think the fish would be compatible?

I can leave the Peppermint Hogfish in the sump until I cover the tank, but the Candy Hogfish and the McCosker's Wrasse are already in the display.

I also would b worried about the Hector & Fairy Wrasse as possible aggression issues, but if they get along the rest of the fish sound alright (but u never know?)

 

[29reef]

Do not underestimate this fish. They can be very SMART. Not safe with inverts and can pick at newcomers in the tank. Very neat fish. I suggest a large tank so everyone has space to run if need be. Your tank is pretty small for this fish IMHO.

 

[Sigmund]

I overlap the eggcrate and secure with zip ties so that the gaps are only half of what they usually are. Has worked for me with the Pep hog and a Blue Spot Jawfish. Anyone that has ever had a BSJ for awhile can tell you that they are the true test of your jump proof design.

I like the overlapping eggcrate as it is easy to work with and or trip due to the rigidity, don't need to frame it like bird netting. To each their own.

 

[SirToppemHat]

The next day after I assembled the window frame net, my candycane hog jumped out. Very small holes too. I was surprised it could fit. Until then, it was a great addition to the reef, always out, ate well, swam at the top portion of the tank, etc...
Good luck!

 

[Myka]

Ok thanks everyone for your continued help. I still haven't decided whether I will add the Peppermint (cover or not!).

 

[Robka]

The next day after I assembled the window frame net, my candycane hog jumped out. Very small holes too. I was surprised it could fit. Until then, it was a great addition to the reef, always out, ate well, swam at the top portion of the tank, etc...
Good luck!

What size were the holes in your netting? I was not able to find small enough holes at my local stores. The only place I could find what I was looking 4 was at a local vineyard (1/8") and there is no way any of my fish could make it through those small holes (even my Tail spot blenny which is my smallest fish at 1 1/2" and very slender)

 

[Robka]

What size were the holes in your netting? I was not able to find small enough holes at my local stores. The only place I could find what I was looking 4 was at a local vineyard (1/8") and there is no way any of my fish could make it through those small holes (even my Tail spot blenny which is my smallest fish at 1 1/2" and very slender)

U still out there?

 

[rssjsb]

Generally speaking, bird netting that is 1/4" is considered small enough. I'm betting that SirToppemHat left a gap somewhere, but maybe not.