Recommendations for centerpiece fish?

[Crit21]

OK, since I should only add 1 more fish to my 125 reef tank, I'm wanting it to be a centerpiece fish--the one you immediately notice in a tank. The limiting factors are COST, reef/invert/clam safe, disease resistance, and I have to consider the other fish. I have: blue spine unicorn, hippo tang, lawnmower blenny, coral beauty, royal gramma, pseudochromis, 2 chromis, and a mated pair of maroon clowns.

I'm thinking of a blonde naso, but I hear that it might be a bit too aggressive for my unicorn surgeon and hippo tang, and is prone to ich.

I came close to getting the clown tang from Exotic yesterday because it's colorful, as well as disesase resistant compared to nasos and other tangs. The down side is that it's fairly aggressive, so probably not the best candidate.

I've never had luck with bannerfish.

Someone suggested a large fairy wrasse (I think 'large' is a relative term with fairy wrassee), because it's reef safe.

Any suggestions based on personal experience??

 

[Salsalito25]

I have or had not realy sure how to put it, a blonde naso.. No matter what fish i have had in the tank my naso never picked on anything... And he or she curently reside in Normanviking's 180gal reef.... I never have had a problem with that Naso...

 

[reefkoi]

I like the gem tangs or if money is an issue a black tang maybe, they are pretty hardy and i dont think either would mess with inverts.
C

 

[racer69]

Powder Blue Tang or Achilles Tang. They are stunning although very hard to keep.

 

[murfman]

I would look at one of the exotic triggers, Sargassum, Crosshatch, blue jaw, etc.

 

[Joe69]

Dan, my Naso tang is extremely peaceful. An orange shoulder is completely non-aggressive if that's a main factor.

 

[hawkfish21]

How about a Blue Star Leopard Wrasse? It's not as big as the other fish mentioned, but is very beautiful.

 

[rmougey]

I'll chime in.......

I think a Show sized male Fairy Wrasse would be great. They are bright, active and always out. You can find really nice ones for around $100, 4+" in size.

The naso is a good idea as well.

I'd pass on the clown tang unless it was the only tang. I had one for several years and it was pretty aggressive. Reminded me of a friends sohal.... almost.

A juvenile Sargassum or Crosshatch would work for a while, but they will outgrow your 125. I have a pair in a 175 and they really need a 300+.

-Rob

 

[edwing206]

Mystery wrasse would be awesome

 

[Crit21]

I think a Show sized male Fairy Wrasse would be great. They are bright, active and always out. You can find really nice ones for around $100, 4+" in size.

That doesn't narrow things down much, and I don't think ever seen a fairy wrasse bigger than 4"

 

[ZenMan]

Here's a picture of my Australian Scotts Fairy Wrasse. He's at least 4" long, he's in QT now, moving to my 225 next week:

 

[Crit21]

Sweet. How much was it?

 

[Crit21]

Salsalito25, I'm curious as to why you gave up your naso. Did it get too big or something?

 

[racer69]

My Aqua has a Red velvet Fairy Wrasse right now for $139.00. They are beautiful and also very peaceful.

 

[Crit21]

Todd, did you mean Mr Aqua, or is there a place by that name in Pueblo? Either way, that's too much for my budget.

 

[COreefer]

Flame Hawk is my reccomendation

 

[COreefer]

Flame Hawk is my recommendation

 

[edwing206]

moorish idol or potters angel or a red head solon fairy wrasse or Lieutenant Tang

 

[rekn]

i think when the hippo grows up he will undoubtedly be the centerpiece. they seem to love people and get fairly large.

 

[Crit21]

edwing206, I'm assuming you mean a poor man's moorish idol (heniochus/bannerfish). The real moorish idol is notorious for not surviving in home aquariums.

I already have a dwarf angel, so a adding potter's angel is not a good idea.

Someone else suggested the red head solon fairy wrasse. I think that might be a good idea.