reef fish

[milpitian]

i was wondering what reef fish i could get that school together? i have a 125g tank? thanks alot

 

[spike78]

Chromis are good. Very active schooling fish.

 

[snorvich]

You cannot really get any fish to school in hobby size aquaria. You can find some fish that will shoal.

 

[seapug]

Bengaii or PJ cardinals look really great in groups.

 

[spike78]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11585188#post11585188 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by snorvich
You cannot really get any fish to school in hobby size aquaria. You can find some fish that will shoal.

Hmmm, I was under the impression these terms were synonymous. Could you explain the difference?

 

[seapug]

Shoal = Hang out together. School = Swim in large swirling group like sardines.

 

[snorvich]

Seapug is right. In a shoal (such as some cardinals), the orientation of the fish is basically random even though they hang out together. In a school, there is always a similar orientation e.g. all swimming in one direction. In the wild, even fish which do school, such as Jacks, will not always school. I am trying to get folks to use the proper terms as a way of being more knowledgeable about our hobby.

 

[milpitian]

well thank you but be alittle nicer about it this is the new to hobby

 

[RAY HUNTER]

i was under the impression that anthias would "school"... or not?

 

[Lotus99]

I have a group of five pajama cardinals that most of the time hang out sort of together. Yes, it's more of a shoal than a school

There are other, smaller cardinals that have similar behaviours, but they aren't always available at LFS. Not all cardinals will do this, I believe banggais will actually pick off members of the group until there is only a pair left.

 

[warrenm107]

School? Shoal? Whatever. I like to pick fish that serve a purpose and also look good in the tank at the same time. My tangs eat algae, my six line wrasse picks predatory snails off my clams, my cleaner shrimp "cleans" my fish, etc. If you buy a "schooling" variety of fishes this will allow less room for fish that work.

 

[Ziggy953]

Chromis or Anthias are a good option for you. They will hang out together for the most part and will make a nice addition to your tank. They "work" at pleasing the viewer of the tank.

 

[kydsexy]

lol i've seen a SCHOOL of chromis in a 500 gallon setup before that's just me, it is uncommon tho

anthias are your prettiest bet in a 125 although you CAN fit a bunch more green chromis in the same tank

 

[milpitian]

THANKS for everyones help