Red Sea Sailfin (desjardini)

[108reefer]

I have a well established mixed reef going - a 180 bow front. I have several tangs in there, as well as an excellent specimen of the the red sea sailfin, I have a fellow reefer that is breaking down his tank, and has one he would like to go to a good home - mine... the question is; can you tell a male from female? should i put him in and "see what happens" (bad idea, i think). any help would be appreciated. Matt

 

[Recty]

Tangs dont pair up like angels do, just because you have a male and a female doesnt mean there wont be fighting. In the wild, males and females gather into huge groups and spawn all at the same time.

An established sailfin will almost for sure fight with a newly introduced sailfin... I wouldnt recommend it.

 

[108reefer]

Thanks for the reminder that I do know better~ that would certainly end up with WWIII in my tank! I have seen a few posts that some have been very, very lucky and have two in a tank that actually spawned.

 

[snorvich]

Tangs dont pair up like angels do, just because you have a male and a female doesnt mean there wont be fighting. In the wild, males and females gather into huge groups and spawn all at the same time.

An established sailfin will almost for sure fight with a newly introduced sailfin... I wouldnt recommend it.

I think the existing one would for sure kill the new one.

 

[108reefer]

10/4 - that is what I figured too, just thought it would be cool - in my dreams anyway! I will keep the peace that I have now, and stay with the "leave it alone" theory that I have been so successful with lately!

 

[Eric the half-bee]

Once again, I'm the exception. I added a 2nd sailfin to my tank(albeit twice the volume) and they cohabit well. The key to success is the 2nd has to be bigger than the 1st. JME.

 

[108reefer]

Sounds like a really killer setup you have there! The one I was looking at is just a bit smaller than mine, so although I would love to give it a try, I am going to take a pass - and let him live happily ever after in someone else's tank... I just don't want to risk it, both fish are really nice specimens - mine I have raised for over 6 years now... When I got him, he was the smallest fish I have ever seen come into the store! I took him straight home and acclimated him in my system from the trans shipper. He is always the first to say "hello" when I get near the tank, and always eats from my hand... yup, I will certainly not introduce another one... bummer, but dont want to risk it.

 

[Eric the half-bee]

I understand and applaud your self control. It's difficult to resist the urge to add fish.

 

[108reefer]

I hear ya! do you have a build thread - would like to see your tank-

 

[Eric the half-bee]

Nope, I wasn't motivated to take pics "along the way".

 

[108reefer]

well, sounds like a cool tank - have any pictures of it?

 

[Eric the half-bee]

Yep, I'll have to post 'em later.