small planktivorous fish(?)

[eleodes]

i am in the process of setting up some classroom aquariums. i introduced a <em>Dascyllus</em> damselfish to the one established tank and i've found that it was a very good choice. it seems to get along just fine by grabbing floating bits of food and nibbling at algae. it also cleans up after the weekly polyp and coral feedings. that the tank only needs feeding once a week makes maintenacne substantially easier.

so, i'm trying to figure out livestock for a second tank. can you suggest any other other small fish that are similarly adept at feeding themselves? maybe some kind of goby?

 

[eleodes]

does anybody have any ideas?

i had a firefish once too that also just picked its own food out of the water column--wouldn't even take food that i gave it--but it meet its end carpet surfing. so, i don't think i want another firefish.

 

[SDguy]

If you like the damsels and don't mind their aggressiveness, then there's a slew of different species to choose from. And clowns are also in that family. Most gobies are a bit more carnivorous, so might require more feedings.

Here are some links you might find helpful:

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/damsels.htm

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/pseudoch.htm

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/cardinal.htm

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/blennioids.htm

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/gobies.htm

HTH

 

[eleodes]

i would get another damsel, but this second tank is too small--just 20 gallons.

i checked that WWB article and, as you suggested, it sounds like most of the gobies are demanding of feedings.

what about clown gobies? does anybody have experience with them?

 

[SDguy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6546528#post6546528 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by eleodes
i would get another damsel, but this second tank is too small--just 20 gallons.

i checked that WWB article and, as you suggested, it sounds like most of the gobies are demanding of feedings.

what about clown gobies? does anybody have experience with them?

One of the many yellow tail blue damsels would be fine in a 20. Even a pair of percs would be fine.

 

[fishybusiness]

Clown gobys are definately more demanding I think. Many that come into the trade are malnourished, and usually die. I got minde eating by first introducing a plankton like food "cyclopleeze." Then I started adding other things into its diet.

I would do a clown or one of the rare damselfish.

 

[eleodes]

yep. it might end up being another damsel. it looks as though several of those <em>Chrysiptera</em> get to only 2-3" long.

i might also consider a firefish, but just make sure the canopy is good and tight.

have you had any experience with the feeding requirements of cardinals?

 

[SDguy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6547718#post6547718 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by eleodes
have you had any experience with the feeding requirements of cardinals?

Again, not omnivores like the damsels, picking on the rocks. They take mostly foods in midwater.

 

[Peter Schmiedel]

Re: small planktivorous fish(?)

that the tank only needs feeding once a week makes maintenacne substantially easier.

NO fish only needs food once a week! If the tank does not apply ample food for the fish you have to feed every day! Dont you eat every day too?

I
:mad2:

 

[eleodes]

NO fish only needs food once a week! If the tank does not apply ample food for the fish you have to feed every day! Dont you eat every day too?

please read this whole thread. i have watched that damsel closely. he has more than 60 gallons of tank water to himself and he is able to find lots of food picking algae from rocks and grabbing pods and other small animals.