Squirrel fish reasonable for reef?

[ezhoops]

wondering if a squirrel fish is safe for a reef. I realize that they are mostly noctural but are they out during the day?

any info about this fish would be helpful. size, diet, etc.

I would be keeping him in a 65 gal

 

[Amphiprion]

Sure, but I would recommend a larger tank, especially considering how large these fish can get (~12" or more). I also assume you are not keeping smaller tank mates, correct? As far as habitat, I recommend keeping a large overhang/cave in a prominent portion of the tank to allow these fish shelter during the day (and so that you can still see them). Make it large and preferably deep (and as dark as possible). I guess the last thing would be to make sure filtration is strong, considering how these active carnivores do put off a good deal of waste. Would make an impressive display, though.

 

[marrone]

You can get some of the smaller striped squirrel fish and they will do very nicely in a reef tank but they will eat any small snail, hermits or shrimp so you need to be careful with them. They are noctural but will be out also during the day, specially when you come to feed them as they're aggressive eaters. When the lights are off you will still see them swimming around the tank. As for large caves and dark spaces this really isn't nessecarry as even with strong lights squirrel fish adapt, plus in a reef tank there is enough spaces between the rocks for them to hide in.


Striped Squirrel

 

[swegyptian]

I don't think nocturnal is the best way to describe them. Maybe they venture out more at night, but they are not inactive in the daytime. I used to catch a few different species while fishing on a regular basis, always in the daytime.

 

[Amphiprion]

Basically, nocturnal means more active behavior towards nighttime (not necessarily only at night). But that is true that they will still be somewhat active during the day as well--especially when fed. Also look into soldierfish or bigeyes as well, as they have similar behaviors and stay a bit smaller.

 

[ezhoops]

yeah, I meant to say soldierfish, I saw one that gets about 7" tops so that might work. Same for everything else though, with the shrimp and small fish, snails,etc.

 

[Amphiprion]

Good deal. I'd like to see pics if/when you set it up with them.