Splendid dotty back

[Kies1]

Just wondering what experience people have with these. Reef/invert safe. Looking to add as the last fish in a mixed reef. Have one blood shrimp, snails and a sea urchin.

 

[Jersh]

I don't have any experience with these, but I recently did some forum/web surfing on splendid dottybacks. It wouldn't be a bad last fish to add, because it is known for being aggressive. It would probably eat your shrimp.

 

[Mael]

Most reviews I have read say they can go after smaller ornamental shrimp and inverts, so it would dpeend on how big your blood shrimp is and how fast he is I guess. They should be fine with snails and urchin and are supposed to be reef safe.

I have been researching these as I took in a juvenile and am letting it grow in the fuge before possibly moving him to my DT or my brothers.

 

[Kies1]

Blood shrimp is on the large side so might be ok. Looking at tank raised so might be better option than wild caught

 

[cl800]

Definitely the most beautiful fish in my tank BUT....

mine took out 4 green chromis and 4 of my treasured longspine cardinalfish. He tears up their fins. Mine hasn't touched any of my inverts. He did jump into my overflow once, where I let him reflect on the errors of his ways for about two weeks. Oddly, once I put him back, he hasn't bothered my remaining cardinals.

 

[snorvich]

Definitely the most beautiful fish in my tank BUT....

mine took out 4 green chromis and 4 of my treasured longspine cardinalfish. He tears up their fins. Mine hasn't touched any of my inverts. He did jump into my overflow once, where I let him reflect on the errors of his ways for about two weeks. Oddly, once I put him back, he hasn't bothered my remaining cardinals.

Common experience. In very large tanks it may work. My friend has one in his 500+ but they can be a terror.

 

[Kies1]

All my other fish, flame angel, swallowtail angel, timor, dusky wrasse, bristle tooth tang and one spot foxface are all well established. I know this does not necessarily mean anything but have always wanted to give one of these a try. What do you think with current stocking list?

 

[snorvich]

What sized tank?

 

[Kies1]

90 gallon mixed reef, how could I forget my copper band. What is your opinion. There are no other rock dwelling fish?

 

[snorvich]

90 gallon mixed reef, how could I forget my copper band. What is your opinion. There are no other rock dwelling fish?

I would not do it in this sized tank.

 

[Kies1]

thanks for your response, aggression issues eventually I am assuming? it says everywhere a much smaller tank is recommended. I have "heard" tank bread are much less aggressive or is there more of a concern of overstocking?

 

[snorvich]

Why do you think a "minimum tank size" is the "recommended tank size"?

 

[Kies1]

no I do not think that but have used that in terms of thinking if I can keep a fish long term in the size of tank I have. I also take into consideration what other peoples experiences are when thinking about adding anything to my tank. That is all. Tank parameters have been very stable for quite some time so was just thinking and tossing the idea around of another fish. These have always caught my eye so was just really looking to hear what others experiences are with them. In saying this I know some of the fish in my tank are recommended for a larger minimum tank recommendation but so far have had great success with all inhabitants for over 6 months(yes not long term) tank has been up and running 2.5 years with no losses. Might not do anything to upset the balance. Thanks for your opinion and advise. It is much appreciated.

 

[Kies1]

Thanks for everyone's insight have decided to pass on this fish after much thought. They seem to become a real terror after sometime. Thank you to all who responded.