Stocking Question

[crn005]

I have a 36 gallon bowfront with minimalistic style aquascaping. I'll include a picture below for reference. Anyway, I currently have a Purple Firefish and a Yellow Goby paired with a Pistol Shrimp. The Goby is a little over an inch and the Firefish is a couple of inches. I am looking to add an Atlantic Pygmy Angelfish later, but I will do that last. I want to put some type of fish that spends most of its time out swimming and not hiding around rocks like my two current fish do. Again, keep in mind that I don't have a lot of caves for them to hide in so I'm trying to avoid a turf war. What fish would y'all recommend?

For reference (Sorry, my phone takes poor quality pictures):

 

[crn005]

You can see the Goby on the right, in the front, by the bottom of the rocks. That's his turf. The Firefish has claimed the cave inside of the island on the left. Well, him and the Peppermint Shrimp.

 

[JackandJill]

Cardinals won't do a whole lot of "swimming" but they are one of the few fish that comes to mind that would work for your tank and stays in open water.

 

[crn005]

Yeah that was a thought of mine. Does anyone think I will run into problems with the Pygmy Angel?

 

[Curtispants]

I'm not sure about the angel...but what about a 6 line wrasse? Or maybe a purple pseudochromis?

 

[Betta132]

I'd second cardinalfish. Won't move too much, but it'll sit right up in open water and shouldn't fight anything.

 

[Xavibear]

Angels like more rock work with caves.

 

[Dmorty217]

Cardinals don't do much swimming, they aren't colorful and they lack personality. That would be the last fish I would choose to put in your tank. They are essentially the goldfish of the saltwater world, kind of like anthias IMO. I would suggest a flame back angel, I had one in a 29g nano a decade ago and had no issues with it

 

[crn005]

Yeah I'm not a huge fan of cardinals but if it's what it takes to add more personality then I'll do it. I looked into a 6-line once but ended up deciding against it. I can't remember why though. What problem do people usually run into with them? Also, what are the main differences between an Atlantic Pygmy (Cherub) Angel and an African Pygmy (Flameback)? They look damn similar. I kind of like the African one a little better though, as far as coloration is concerned.

 

[Dmorty217]

With 6 lined wrasse the issue becomes that they will be aggressive toward new additions after it is established, but then again most all fish do this. There isn't much difference except for color as far as the angels go

 

[FTDelta]

You could stand to add more live rock. Looks kinda bare if you ask me.

How about a Pink Streaked Wrasse. Looks similar to a six line but more peaceful variety.

 

[Booboobear259]

I would say cardinal or something of that sort nice and peaceful and stay in open water

 

[small alien]

In defense of cardinals, I think the bangaii is one of the most visually interesting fish for sw aquariums.

 

[Booboobear259]

I agree I love bangaii cardinals especially with vibrant coral colors and bright L.E.D lights

 

[crn005]

I agree I love bangaii cardinals especially with vibrant coral colors and bright L.E.D lights

I wish I shared that! They are one of the uglier SW fish in my opinion :-(

The black and white ones are tolerable but those are the only ones I would maybe put in my tank.




As far as the aquascape, it isn't going to change. Yeah it looks bare, but it serves a purpose. SPS is the main goal of the tank and this layout allows a lot of perks for growing SPS. Great flow, hard for detritus to build up, plenty of places to put frags, etc. Once the corals (I only have a handful now but will be getting more soon) grow out, there will be a lot more nooks and crannies for the little fellows to hide in. I built it for what it will become, not what it is.

 

[Booboobear259]

What other cardinals are black and white cuz only bangaiis are ringing a bell here

 

[Dmorty217]

He is confusing the pajama and the bangaiis. Ah St. John, how I love that place. Do me a favor and get in a boat and go to Jost Van Dyke and drink a painkiller at the soggy dollar for me!