Red Tail Trigger

[Kemah]

What is your opinion of putting a red tail trigger into a reef tank that has sps, lpl, and softies? I have been considering it and my GF really wants one but I am not sure what to do.

(since I live near galveston i am going to try to catch a sargasum trigger this spring also)

 

[rort]

i know many people who have them in their reefs. I would say the smaller you can start off the better.

I currently have a 2-1/2" in my tank and he is doing great eating all frozen and pellets. This is the second red tail that I had, first one was in my QT and eat half of a firefish, so he went back to the store and I picked up their other one.

 

[Wolverine]

First, how big is the tank?

Second, which "redtail" are you talking about? My guess would be Xanthichthys mento, in which case it would be fine (provided the tank is big enough), but it's best to be sure.

 

[Kemah]

The tank is a 120 and the fish I am refering to is this one http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+44+1433&pcatid=1433

 

[Wolverine]

A 120g is pushing it in my opinion, but I know others have kept them in tanks that size. They are open water fish, and I prefer to see them in bigger tanks.

 

[jd474]

A 120g is pushing it in my opinion, but I know others have kept them in tanks that size. They are open water fish, and I prefer to see them in bigger tanks.

+1. The Xanthichthys triggers almost always do great in reefs, but the tank is a bit small. I'd recommend at least a tight fitting canopy, cause he'll be carpet surfing if you don't.

 

[COreefer]

A 120g is pushing it in my opinion, but I know others have kept them in tanks that size. They are open water fish, and I prefer to see them in bigger tanks.

Sargassum aren't open water fish...

 

[Wolverine]

Sargassum aren't open water fish...

Good catch. My brain was still on X. mento when I wrote that (since that the first that comes to mind for me with "redtail trigger").

That said, I still like to see them in larger tanks.