Keeping Semi-Aggressive Fish

[akelly310]

What are some things to keep in mind and prepare before adding more aggressive types of fish? I’d like to add a orchid dottyback to my tank down the road, but their semi-aggressive behavior makes me nervous for my other fish. I currently have a pair of ocellaris, a very timid (still new to the tank) firefish and i plan to add a wrasse soon (reef safe and peaceful) as well as one of their peaceful fish (still undecided). I have a 55 gallon tank.

 

[Flippers4pups]

More aggressive fish added to a peaceful community will end up with problems, especially with firefish. Best to keep things peaceful.

 

[proxy001]

yes... avoid nasty grumpy clowns and big angels. Tangs : introduce all at the same time .

 

[akelly310]

More aggressive fish added to a peaceful community will end up with problems, especially with firefish. Best to keep things peaceful.

yes... avoid nasty grumpy clowns and big angels. Tangs : introduce all at the same time .
[/QUOTE

would you classify dottybacks as too aggressive for the other fish in my tank?

 

[Bryknicks]

I would skip on the dottyback. IME they are very aggressive. I've owned two and they've each killed shrimp and multiple fish.

 

[proxy001]

what tank size??

 

[akelly310]

what tank size??

55 gallons

 

[proxy001]

Dottyback are very agressive. Small , territorial and agressive. I had a bicolor one for 8 years, I think he died of old age. I replaced him with a purple dotty back, he is much more chill, friends with everyone. 180G. lots of hiding spots. I think aggression eventually goes away. It becomes a problem if you had the shy fish after the aggressive ones.

 

[akelly310]

Dottyback are very agressive. Small , territorial and agressive. I had a bicolor one for 8 years, I think he died of old age. I replaced him with a purple dotty back, he is much more chill, friends with everyone. 180G. lots of hiding spots. I think aggression eventually goes away. It becomes a problem if you had the shy fish after the aggressive ones.

would I expect better results if I add the dottyback last?

 

[proxy001]

 

[Pistondog]

What are some things to keep in mind and prepare before adding more aggressive types of fish? I’d like to add a orchid dottyback to my tank down the road, but their semi-aggressive behavior makes me nervous for my other fish. I currently have a pair of ocellaris, a very timid (still new to the tank) firefish and i plan to add a wrasse soon (reef safe and peaceful) as well as one of their peaceful fish (still undecided). I have a 55 gallon tank.

I added an orchid dottyback 6 months ago. To a 75 gallon with 2 clowns, 6 line wrasse, tail spot blenny, 2 fire shrimp, tang, starry blenny among others. They've all found their happy place.
Make sure you have plenty of caves and venues for shelter.
Ymmv, tank dynamics are unique.

 

[proxy001]

You seem to have a fairly light stock . I think you should be fine adding one, IMO.

 

[Sebastiancrab]

I wanted a yellow tail or azure damsel really bad. After taking a couple back who were overly aggressive, the trick has been to purchase a really small young yellow tail. Make sure you have lots of hiding places so they can claim their own hideaway.

 

[Zachywack]

What are some things to keep in mind and prepare before adding more aggressive types of fish? I’d like to add a orchid dottyback to my tank down the road, but their semi-aggressive behavior makes me nervous for my other fish. I currently have a pair of ocellaris, a very timid (still new to the tank) firefish and i plan to add a wrasse soon (reef safe and peaceful) as well as one of their peaceful fish (still undecided). I have a 55 gallon tank.

Orchid is VERY aggressive