I dont think the one firefish would be enough to draw him out, and 2 other gudggeons would be the absolute minimum I would consider, but preferably more.
The color of blue gudgeons is highly variable after shipping, but usually returns to one of two blues, a very bright blue, almost the color of a 460nm actinic t5 bulb, or a lighter blue. There are also 2 tail colors, one mostly black, the other yellow and black.
My tank is too small to devote 3 or more slots to one type of fish and maybe not even see them that much. My goal is to have a much variety (shape and color) as possible and also as peaceful as possible. It is proving to be quite a difficult endeavor. I think my plan will be this:
Get the firefish and gramma next, since my LFS always has plenty of these and I can choose the best looking one, make sure it's eating, etc.
Then the barnacle blennies, probably 2 or 3 since they are so tiny. Likely from LA. And get them a barnacle home.
Maybe in this slot, an anthias. But I'm leaning towards skipping anthias. They seem to be tough to care for, but we'll see.
Then either the midas blenny or black axil chromis. And the other one afterwards.
And finally the wrasse.
At that point I will reassess and see if I think another fish or two would work. I have to leave room for all these fish to grow, especially the clowns and chromis. And then maybe I will add a second chromis, or a dwarf angel, or maybe, just maybe, but probably not, a kole tang.
Regarding the chromis, I absolutely have to have the blue green or black axil. I think it's color is awesome and have wanted one for many years, long before I knew I'd ever have a tank. Most accounts I've read are that it is only aggressive towards it's own kind, so hopefully having only one will keep him peaceful.
Thanks for the input everyone. I'm sure I'll be back when I change my mind 17 more times.
