sanchoy
New member
Because they can.:dance:
If you have the proper size tank, don't see why there is a problem.. Why do people keep small fish? Same same, but different.
So why do people keep large fish?
- Thread starter snorvich
- Start date
Because they can.:dance:
If you have the proper size tank, don't see why there is a problem.. Why do people keep small fish? Same same, but different.
SkullV
They Got My Number
^^ This is exactly the right answer. Setting aside what type of fish they enjoy, what type of home they can provide for the fish, etc. The short answer is they keep large fish if they want them, because they can.
Actually, because they think they can.
SkullV
They Got My Number
No, it's because they can. They can walk into the LFS and buy any fish they want. They CAN keep it. How long they can keep it is a different story. I can walk into Old Town Aquarium right now and give then $2k for the Conspic Angel they have. I bet I can even keep it alive for quite a few years in my 75g. Is it right? Will the fish be happy? Will the fish live out it's full life span? Maybe, probably not. The fact is I CAN keep the large fish though.
Stanley-Reefer
New member
To each his own....I would spend the $$$ on an expensive tang, butterfly or angel before something like the candy basslet--or swissguard--can't remember which is the high dollar one, but they look similar.
I think colors on a larger scale with larger fish are just more attractive.
All of our tanks are small for all the fish in reality
I think colors on a larger scale with larger fish are just more attractive.
All of our tanks are small for all the fish in reality
The appeal to me is simply I can see them better. I would love to have a 10" mandarin so I would not have to struggle to see all the detail on these beautiful little fish.
MrTuskfish
Team RC
Following this thread makes me realize just how varied this hobby has become; imagine a hobby like this with just goldfish.
mattGgator
New member
I would like to keep larger fish such as some of the larger tangs. I just like the way they look.
Vadimshevchuk
Member
When guests look at your tanks... They notice the big fish and not the little guys swimming around.
sanchoy
New member
Actually not all reefers are uneducated, and i have seen stunning large tanks house stunning large fish. IMO if you have the proper setup (size) tank, I have no problem anyone keeping large fishes.
In reality, all tanks are too small for any captive saltwater fish because their true environment is an open ended ocean. Its like putting a parrot in a large cage, in the end it is still a cage.
Enjoy the hobby, as long as you do it safely for both you and your livestock. And remember, not everyone's cup of tea will taste good to all. :wavehand:
Curious George
New member
Most AMAZING fish I have ever seen was a full size adult Maculosous Angel. Man was he big; all of 18 inches and thick. He was in a 2000 gallon tank at The Rainforest Cafe--I used to work there. Every day I would come in and watch him for an hour before my shift.
To see the intricate mapping of the purple in his flourescent yellow tail was awesome. My eyes aren't that great, so I could never see that kind of detail on a small fish. The color, shear size, and not having to squint are why I would love to keep LARGE fish.
To see the intricate mapping of the purple in his flourescent yellow tail was awesome. My eyes aren't that great, so I could never see that kind of detail on a small fish. The color, shear size, and not having to squint are why I would love to keep LARGE fish.
kirkaz
Jade
Good thread....My 10+ years now in the hobby, I've kept primarily the "larger fish" that got me interested in SWF; Triggers, Angels, Tangs, large Wrasses, Puffers, and Eels. In a few years we are building a house, and the plan is move my current 240 fish into a 600 gallon tank, and turn the 240 into a "softy reef" with "smaller fish". Frankly at this point I'm far more excited about redoing the 240, than the 600. I.E., I'm ready for something different.
KrissiIZme
New member
Not sure about others...but I know I'd love to have a huge tank w/ gorgeous healthy huge fish! But I am happy with the smaller ones. I see nothing wrong with keeping large, small or medium sized fish. As long as you can provide a healthy environment.
Why do people keep those tiny lap dogs?...they just bark and nip at ankles...ha ha
Why do people keep those tiny lap dogs?...they just bark and nip at ankles...ha ha
davelin315
10 & Over Club
The same reason I keep the small ones - I like how they look.
With some fish the larger they grow the uglier they are, but then with others the larger they grow the more attractive they become. I think that generally speaking, a lot of tangs become better looking as they outgrow their juvenile awkwardness (Nasos that grow streamers and lyretails). Also, some angels look fantastic with age, too. It's all a matter of taste. I have a 300 gallon tank and multiple large fish, but I also keep small fish as well (although those grow to tremendous size for what they are). I love the mix of different colors and sizes in the system - it's completely unnatural given my mixture of fish, but I love how it looks.
With some fish the larger they grow the uglier they are, but then with others the larger they grow the more attractive they become. I think that generally speaking, a lot of tangs become better looking as they outgrow their juvenile awkwardness (Nasos that grow streamers and lyretails). Also, some angels look fantastic with age, too. It's all a matter of taste. I have a 300 gallon tank and multiple large fish, but I also keep small fish as well (although those grow to tremendous size for what they are). I love the mix of different colors and sizes in the system - it's completely unnatural given my mixture of fish, but I love how it looks.
orangegoby
New member
i think the Tangs are probably the most popular fish in this hobby, unfortunately, not everyone have a 200 gallon tank to house them.
Paganinisrvnge
In Memoriam
Because they look nice and are easy to spot. Like someone said earlier. They will pop out when someone arrives at your house. A nice sized, healthy, and colorful tang such as a Yellow, Purple, Regal, etc. will definitely catch the eye. Same with angelfish. If only all angelfish were reefsafe. :headwalls:
