I have one in my 29 reeftank- he's kind of shy until feeding time. I know they are schooling fish and wondering if I got another if he'd come out more. My primary question is, is a 'regular' firefish compatible with a purple firefish?
Firefish...
- Thread starter reefnut29
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These guys can be pretty vicious, territory wise. Especially in smaller tanks. I tried twice and each newcomer wound up being killed.
eatbreakfast
Fish Nerd
Firefish can be kept as a pair only if they are purchased together as a bonded pr. Otherwise one will kill the other, even if a different species.
Try other docile fish in the tank. This can help draw them out in the open. Zebra dartfish, blue gidgeon gobies, yellow assessor, would work.
Try other docile fish in the tank. This can help draw them out in the open. Zebra dartfish, blue gidgeon gobies, yellow assessor, would work.
Interesting! I have a pygmy angel, royal gramma and a yellow watchman goby (small- he hides it the rocks except to eat) as well. Do you think a Neon Blue Goby would be ok? Would an Orchid Dottyback be too aggressive? Don't want to stress the tank- it's doing well.
eatbreakfast
Fish Nerd
The pygmy angel may be intimidating the firefish.
An orchid dottyback might be a little too territorial in that small of a tank.
A neon goby usually stays at the rocks. A fish that is going to be out in the open will be more effective at getting the firefish out.
An orchid dottyback might be a little too territorial in that small of a tank.
A neon goby usually stays at the rocks. A fish that is going to be out in the open will be more effective at getting the firefish out.
How about a Banggai Cardinal? Very cool fish [emoji7]
SantaMonicaHelp
Valuable Member
Which is the best time for fish? The feeding time ))))
So what are you planning to do with fish set, will you change it? Btw my favorite fish is Royal gramma!
I like the suggestions so far. The Cardinals, especially the Pajama, are nice but being nocturnal- not really looking for that. I'm looking for more movement and something will stay smaller without growing too large. What about a Red Spot Goby or Rainfords Goby?
SantaMonicaHelp
Valuable Member
Most Goby should be ok with the most Gobies... any Goby I can recommend ))) Gobies should not be fish with problems ))
And I like Royal Gramma!)) They are funny for me )))
Cardinals aren't to my knowledge nocturnal.
NanaReefer- I got that information from the Bluezoo Aquatics website, "Cardinals are nocturnal by nature and will spend most of their time in the shadier areas of the aquarium and will come out after dark." After I read your post, I read up more and found this off CritterHub.com, "Most cardinalfish species are nocturnal, but the Banggai cardinal is diurnal. It is active and feeds during the day. " Thanks for the info- I may take a trip to the LFS and take a peek.
They must behave differently in captivity. Every Cardinal I've owned from Banggai to Yellowstripped have been front an center-lol. Then again I've always owned small fish so maybe that too plays a part.
Good info though and thanks for sharing [emoji2]
Good info though and thanks for sharing [emoji2]
eatbreakfast
Fish Nerd
Pajamas are nocturnal, technically, but are out and active during daylight hours. But most of the commonly available cardinals are quite active during the day. Smaller species, such as orange stripe and red stripes would be greate for your tank.
Of the gobies you mentioned the rainsford goby will be better for pulling the firefish in the open, because it is in the open more. While gobies are compatible with one another, if they aren't in the open, but rather on the rocks they won't help to keep the firefish out.
Of the gobies you mentioned the rainsford goby will be better for pulling the firefish in the open, because it is in the open more. While gobies are compatible with one another, if they aren't in the open, but rather on the rocks they won't help to keep the firefish out.
4FordFamily
Tang, Angel, and Wrasse Nerd!
Agree my orchid (and believe it or not even my purple dottyback) were quite docile but they have the propensity not to be. Pygmy Angels and similar small centropyge are often pretty aggressive.
I kept one purple and three regular fire fish together for a year without any trouble but I was probably lucky
WetWhistle
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Look at the Indigo Dottyback if you want a peaceful fish with color. I have one in my 29 bow tank that has mostly docile fish that has a firefish in it and he causes absolutely no issues. I would not mix a purple and normal fire fish as the purple will keep the normal one in the rocks. I have added two new normal firefish when I had one already established with no issues as the normal are more likely to school. But that depends on size of tank and individual fish behavior. It is a mixed bag if they will cause problems if you introduce one after you already have one. The Indigo even gets along with my Hi Fin Red Banded Goby.
