Tank mate question P. Russell

[ashtree68]

I'm setting up my 90 and currently have a P. Russel and was wondering if I could put another Russel, and then 2 Fu's in it. I've heard mixed things about them and don't want to have any problems.

Other tank mates are a snowflake eel, and a couple of damsels that I can't catch that will get eaten eventually.

Suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[namxas]

unless you happen to find a M-F pair, two fu's won't coexist without fighting. also, the chance of the russelii eating the fu are at best, 50-50, depending on their size differential, and the individual fish.

i think a 90 is a bit too tight for two Russel's, esp. with the SFE and a biocellatus in residence...that's a lot of bioload.

JMO...

 

[ashtree68]

What's the best way to sex fus? The number of stripes on the body? Right now the russel is pretty small (3-4 inches) would he eat the fus if they've been in the tank for awhile together?
Thanks

 

[anbosu]

I think if they were used to each other it would help, but with lions it is really just a question of if they are hungry and if they think it will fit in their mouths. I wouldn't risk it personally. You could try a fuzzy or two in there.

 

[namxas]

What's the best way to sex fus? The number of stripes on the body? Right now the russel is pretty small (3-4 inches) would he eat the fus if they've been in the tank for awhile together?
Thanks

like D. zebra, D. biocellatus isn't sexually dimorphic. DD does offer pairs, however their definition of "pair" usually means that the fish in question haven't beaten the snot outta each other while at their facility (we know this because we have asked).

 

[ashtree68]

Alright thanks, I think I'll pass on the fus then. Is there something else you would suggest or should I just leave it is as it is now?

 

[namxas]

Alright thanks, I think I'll pass on the fus then. Is there something else you would suggest or should I just leave it is as it is now?

it kinda depends on what you're going for. do you want another fish in the water column, or does it matter?

an Inimicus or larger scorp species such as a Scorpaena brasiliensis would go nicely in the tank.

 

[ashtree68]

I don't have any real set wants for the tank other than the lion. It would be nice to have something that will swim around and have some movement once that damsels dissapear.

 

[namxas]

a foxface would be a good choice as long as you aren't keeping live macro.

 

[ashtree68]

I've looked at a foxface some before, but someone told me that they were really poisonous. How bad is it if you get stung by them?

 

[namxas]

I've looked at a foxface some before, but someone told me that they were really poisonous. How bad is it if you get stung by them?

foxfaces and rabbitfish are actually less toxic than lions.

 

[ashtree68]

Great! I'll look more into them they're attractive fish. Thanks for your help.