Having multiple fish of the same species?

[JasPR]

Unfortunately there is a lot of contradictions in the hobby-- as a general guideline it is not wise to put two of the same species in an aquarium. But that truth is not true! it needs to be qualified-- namely, how large is the aquarium? In addition, how old are the fish. a big aquarium ( over 120 gallons) creates different dynamics in saltwater fish and subdues the aggression to one of tolerance. In addition, many species get along well as juveniles.. But once they mature they get a little more demanding about territory. So this is the fun part of the hobby for me-- not breaking the rules, but understanding why the rules are good guidelines--- but only guide lines for the beginner with a small aquarium ( 30-90 gallons). In my 440 gallon I currently house 2 flame angels, 3 bicolor angels, 2 lemon peels, 1 potters and 1 coral beauty-- rarely do I even see them 'taking a territorial pass at one another', even at meal time. HOWEVER I have also kept two Emps in the same aquarium -- one juvie and one adult-- no problem. But the moment the juvie started showing adult coloration-- IT WAS ON!! had to remove the juvie or it would have been killed for sure. Finally, I currently house 3 juvenile niger triggers in the tank. they school and get along very well. But I'm not sure that will continue for their entire lives once they are adults.

 

[4FordFamily]

I agree, it completely depends on species and a plethora of other factors. Some do fine, my Achilles "pair" even did fine. I don't recommend you do this, definitely not if they aren't added together with several other tangs simultaneously but that was a BIG no no until a year or two ago. I gave it a shot and found that they're FAR more tolerant of same species company than PBT and other acanthurus -- but still NOT tolerant overall. Right mix, right environment, etc.

 

[JasPR]

I agree, it completely depends on species and a plethora of other factors. Some do fine, my Achilles "pair" even did fine. I don't recommend you do this, definitely not if they aren't added together with several other tangs simultaneously but that was a BIG no no until a year or two ago. I gave it a shot and found that they're FAR more tolerant of same species company than PBT and other acanthurus -- but still NOT tolerant overall. Right mix, right environment, etc.

yep, we're on the same page at this point in our hobby experience. The rules are good and the rules are there for a reason. But once you can take the training wheels off, you can experiment-- with personal experience and input of many hobbyist friends, a more complete understanding of the rules can allow that.